Pokemon The Revolution

by LandofGaming

After years of evolution and drifts and new ages, the Pokemon world has advanced to a modern state where politics and ideals flourished and many Pokemon began searching and striving for the idea of a perfect world. However, due to the corrupted government, a single Pokemon stands up to fight for his freedom...and ends up starting more than even he had anticipated.

18. A Castelian Crisis

Chapter Eighteen: A Castelian Crisis

A month after the battle at Striaton City, in Darkrai's Palace…

"It seems that we need to send out another spy," Darkrai said thoughtfully as he paced his throne room, the only audience being General Doomsday. Standing before him, it was only the general and a silent, shrouded Pokemon floating quietly in a corner. Doomsday had a red crystal ball and was muttering excitedly under her breath.

"Wouldn't you agree, Doomsday?" Darkrai said, his eyes glowing with pure malice.

Doomsday nodded distractedly. "Yes, yes. Spying and all that rubbish. Why did you call me here?" She seemed extremely interested in her red crystal ball, her glacial eyes glittering with her visions.

Darkrai turned to her. "I'd like you to call a meeting and introduce Plasma to the others," he said. "You may leave now."

Doomsday muttered under her breath as she stared at her crystal ball. "Ah, yes… the future… interesting… death… hmm. Oh, I can leave? Okay! Meeting, Plasma, other generals―got it. Should take about five seconds unless… hmm… huh? Well, dear me… didn't see that…" Still whispering, she padded out the door.

Darkrai sighed, then turned to the Pokemon floating in the corner. "Once, you were the exiled queen of the Northern Kingdom," he said. "Then you were my loyal assistant, defeating those Kalosian shape-shifters… those special breeds of Eevees…" He laughed quietly. "Now I have a special mission for you, Forever Hidden."

The cloak Pokemon floated quietly over, her posture regal. A cool aura rolled off of her. "Yes, my Lord," she said. "What is it?"

Darkrai turned to the tapestries that hung down the marble walls of the room. "I'd like you to assassinate that leader of the rebels," he commanded. "Bring his body back to me. After that, I will grant you what you want the most… Revenge against Queen Matilda."

Forever Hidden hissed. "Yess… the one who stole my throne. The one that ended my rule! Yes! I will do this mission, if only to overthrow her!"

"You will have her head," Darkrai assured her. "Even now, I will soften her with lies and deceit. She will not be able to stand against your powers."

Forever Hidden cackled with silent laughter. "You're a playful one, my lord," she hissed, her voice splintering like the howling arctic wind. "Do not betray me. I am the one who tricked the shape-shifters to their deaths. I am the one who twisted the mind of that Weavile intellectual into joining us. It would be wise and safe for you if you do not attempt to go back on your word…" With a final, snickering laugh, she spun and floated out the door, her garments floating out behind her.

Darkrai smiled as he paced his throne room. As soon as Unova wasn't a rebellion hot spot anymore, he would finally retake Hoenn and Kalos. Nothing could stop him from becoming a god.

When they see me defeat Arceus, he thought darkly to himself, they will learn! For I am Darkrai, the Master of Nightmares, Lord of the Dark. I destroyed Cresselia's dream-blooded line of Eevees. I ended the Eevee shape-shifter followers of Mew. They will learn!

Outside, the lunar eclipse created a blood-red moon.

"Where are the others?" Ranark complained loudly as he reclined on a couch around a large circular table, its edges beautifully carved into various patterns. "I don't remember Stary being so slow!"

Doomsday, who was sitting on a small couch across from him, her posture comfortably graceful, rolled her eyes mutely and scowled at the table. "Darkrai says, 'Call a meeting and introduce the other generals to Plasma!' I say, 'Fine! Yes!' And then after all the work I do, they show up half an hour late. I have half a mind to annihilate this palace!" She turned to Plasma, who was seated stiffly, his posture formal and correct, beside her on another couch. "Won't you agree, dear?"

Plasma inclined his ridged head to one side, but did not reply.

Doomsday laughed. "The silent type, hmm? I have a feeling things are going to get a bit dicey when Stary finally shows up with those other two fools." Her light tone suddenly modulated into a deep snarl. "I'd love to rip all their throats out!" she grumbled.

"Whoa, turn it down a notch, Doomsday." Stary entered the meeting room, her metal-tipped wings clinking as she walked. "Nova and Otri just recovered from being nearly obliterated, you know. Play nice."

"Not in my dictionary," Doomsday sneered menacingly. Stary sighed, while Plasma looked uncomfortably around.

"So this is the new rookie, huh?" Otri rasped, his throat not quite healed from Amethyst's fire stick yet. "Looks like roadkill."

"Otri," Stary warned. The Krookodile snorted.

Nova cleared her throat. "My troops are assigned to train for now," she said quietly. "I'd like to leave and join them if there's nothing of importance."

"You will stay," Doomsday hissed. "Everybody, sit down."

Noting the threat in Doomsday's tone, every general quickly took a seat in the couches that lined the perimeter of the round table.

"What's the hurry, Doomsday?" Stary asked anxiously. "Something wrong?"

Doomsday ignored her. "General Nova, Otri, this is General Plasma," she announced in a clear tone much, much different from her malicious timbre moments before.

Nova looked uncomfortable, and she dipped her head towards Plasma. "Pleased to meet you," she said. "I hope we can work together in the future."

Otri snorted. "You don't look like much. I guess you only got in 'cause you're one of Darkrai's homies. Pah! Blackmailing amateur!"

Stary glanced at Plasma, who was studying the two generals with a cool and calculating glance. He didn't seem either insulted or impressed.

Nova coughed as the generals all sat in silence. "Is that it?"

"Yep, you can go now," Doomsday said cheerfully.

Stary frowned. "Then what was up with that attitude before?"

Doomsday snorted. "You'd be irritated if your guests arrived half an hour late for a five-second speech, too."

"Yeah, and that five-sec speech wasn't even worth this little spike ball," Otri muttered.

Ranark sighed. "This is getting boring. Doomsday, you said this would be exciting."

"Sure it's going to be," Doomsday replied. "Nova has to leave first."

Nova blinked. "Why?"

"Because you're not part of that very exciting future. To get there, you have to leave," Doomsday replied. "Bye-bye."

Nova frowned, but took her leave.

"Now what?" Ranark asked.

Doomsday shrugged and smiled mysteriously. "Watch."

Plasma had been sizing up Otri, his eyes flicking over the general. Finally, he spoke. "You're a general? You don't seem to have the fighting spirit."

Otri snarled, then winced as his throat unleashed a sharp jab of pain. "You wanna fight, punk? I'll show you how hip-hop stars fight!"

Plasma tipped his head to one side. "I remember now. You were that singer," he noted mildly. "How can you be one, with that voice?"

Otri screamed and hurled himself at Plasma. The Luxray moved faster than teleportation, and appeared behind Otri at the speed of thought, sidestepping Otri's next wild blow. His red-gold eyes narrowed as he carefully calculated and analyzed Otri's battle style and weak points. Slipping deftly under another blow, he slammed all his weight against the bottom of Otri's jaw, with a crushing force that sent Otri reeling and crashing to the ground. The Krookodile laid flat-out on the ground, dazed.

"Nice," Doomsday purred, laughing. "I wish Darkrai didn't order me to not harm his poor little supporter. Otherwise he wouldn't still be here."

Stary stared at Plasma in awe. "How did you do that?" she asked.

Plasma kept his silence for a small moment, then spoke. "I analyzed his movements and the position and speed of his attacks. I also calculated how much weight he was using to keep his balance. Once his weakness was clear, I hit him with the correct amount of force per square inch to destabilize his body's systems and knock him out."

"You're like the male version of Doomsday," Ranark praised. "Except Doomsday's not as smart as you."

"Pardon me?" Doomsday snarled. "Want a go at it, ninja frog?"

"If you're not afraid of dancing," Ranark retorted.

"Then let's tango!" Doomsday hurled herself at Ranark, and the two went tumbling away, screeching in anger.

"They're always like that," Stary whispered to Plasma. "General rivalry, you know." Plasma grunted in reply, his sharp eyes fixed on the two other generals.

"Doomsday seems to have the upper hand," Plasma replied after a moment, his eyes narrowed into flinty slits. "I suppose that would be because of her ability to see the future and react quickly to whatever visions she saw."

"Yeah, Doomsday's cool that way," Stary agreed. "Nova is, too, in her own way. But Darkrai's been pretty hard on her these days―she lost the battle in Nimbasa City and got ambushed on her way to Striaton City―which Darkrai decreed was a reason why we lost the Straiton City fight. I should probably check on her later. Do you want to come?"

Plasma frowned slightly. "That Noivern―Nova―seems to have a split personality. She seemed normal, and calm on the outside, but I sense a conflict within her."

Stary looked surprised. "You noticed? Yeah, Nova has something called the Berzerk Gene. She tries to contain it to prevent herself from accidentally going haywire and killing everything in sight… but I'm afraid she hasn't been able to restrain it. Her lieutenant―Robert Shaw―seems to have found a way to get her out of her Berzerk Form, but none of us understand it."

Plasma narrowed his eyes. "Did Darkrai recruit her for this gene, only?"

Stary stepped back uncertainly, then sighed. "Yes, he did. He's doing some… experiments with the Berzerk Gene. I don't like it, but he says it's for the greater good, so I believe him."

Plasma frowned at her, but didn't say a thing.

The door suddenly swung open. Doomsday and Ranark, who had been fighting near the door, both jumped to their feet. Doomsday used her Reaper Cloth to teleport to Stary, but Ranark, who didn't have the ability to foresee anything, slammed into the door and was crushed against the wall.

"Ow," the Greninja complained. "Ever heard of, 'Please knock on the door before entering'?" Then his eyes widened as Darkrai floated through the doorway. "I didn't really mean that! Sorry!"

Darkrai ignored him coolly, and turned to Plasma. "I wish to speak with General Plasma. The rest of you, please leave."

Doomsday shrugged carelessly. "I'm going to go look after my regiment. Events are coming, and they must be prepared," she murmured. "Cursed soul, broken oaths… hmm… interesting…"

Ranark followed her. "Looks like we're finally being deployed," he sighed. "I should probably get my troops ready." Stary dipped her head towards Darkrai, then flew off, her wings clashing against each other.

Darkrai floated over to Otri and kicked him. The Krookodile groaned. "Yo… 'sup?" he said weakly.

Darkrai's eyes flared with anger. "Get your useless hide over to the training center and work with your troops, along with Nova. You two will be in charge of attacking Nimbasa City in two month's time. If you fail one more time…" He left the threat hanging precariously in the air. Otri's eyes widened, and he stumbled off.

Plasma waited quietly beside Darkrai. The dark lord turned to the Luxray.

"Well?" Darkrai asked. "Did you figure out a plan?"

Plasma's face distorted into slight confusion. "A plan for what, milord?"

Darkrai's eye suddenly widened. "You didn't get my note?!"

"What note?" Plasma inquired, sounding slightly puzzled. "I didn't receive any letters from you except the one regarding the Shadowia Bomb and the lake guardians."

Darkrai cursed under his breath. "Then it didn't reach you. I told one of the Outposts in the Northern Kingdom to send a letter to you regarding… an artifact. But the outpost must've been sabotaged. Don't worry about it. I'll figure something else." He stared at Plasma levelly. "Today, you leave for Castelia City. We both know that the innocents are out of the city, so that place will be teeming with rebels and the Castelian citizens who wish to fight. Understand?"

"I will do what I must," Plasma replied quietly. "I'll go prepare my troops now."

Darkrai hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. "Thanks."

"Thank the soldiers who died for you," Plasma said slowly. "Not me." He then turned and walked out the door.

Darkrai's eyes brimmed with something like tears. What happened to you, Plasmie?

---

Somewhere over the ocean…

"For Arceus' sake, Latios, Latias!" Meloetta cried as she hung desperately to the railing of the sled she was in, along with the lake guardians and the Swords of Justice. "You might be used to traveling at the speed of Sonic Boom, but I―"

"Chill, Meloetta!" Latios yelled as he sped across the ocean, wind shrieking past him. "We aren't even in Mega Form yet!"

"Shh, brother," Latias chirped. "You know they're not used to being awesome, and obviously not used to traveling faster than light. Give them a break!"

"I think I'm going to puke," Azelf muttered.

"Hold it together, sister," Mesprit murmured.

"I know, and it's taking all of my Willpower."

"How would you puke if you hadn't eaten a thing in hundreds of years?" Uxie wondered.

"Do you honestly think I didn't down some of that mushy lake water when I woke up?" Azelf asked.

Mesprit and Uxie both edged away from Azelf.

"If we take a break, I'm going to barf on that Latios," Terrakion grumbled.

"Can someone switch seats with me?" Virizon asked, looking queasy. "I don't want to be seated next to His Bovine Majesty when he loses it."

"Both of you―stay composed," Cobalion said, not looking much better than Terrakion. "They are doing us a favor by transporting us. Do not be ungrateful."

"I hope those are the words you say when Terrakion pukes on you," Virizon muttered.

"How long until we reach it?" Meloetta asked, her voice lost in the wind, but the Eon Duo had sharp hearing and heard her words perfectly.

"A minute or so!" Latias told her cheerfully. "Of course, if we morph into our Mega Forms, maybe seconds?"

Meloetta turned as green as her hair. "Please… don't…" she begged.

"Can we just get there ASAP?" Terrakion complained.

Latias trilled with laughter, while Latios grinned a sideways smile at his sister.

"Shall we?" Latios asked. "The faster, the better, right?"

Latias grinned mischievously at her sibling. "Can you beat me without being in your Mega Form?"

"Uh―guys!" Terrakion called, looking panicked. "I didn't really mean it!"

"Too late!" Latias and Latios suddenly paused for a split second. Then the seas boiled and the winds hurled backward as the two zipped forward at the speed of light, seemingly bending time and space as they hurled themselves at a velocity that could be considered teleporting. A sonic boom pierced the air. The legendary and mythical passengers screamed, but their cries were lost in the wind.

Exactly one minute and fifteen seconds later, the two eon siblings skidded to a stop on an island only visible and approachable by legendaries, their heads held high. The sled slammed into them, tossing its passengers into the air and smashing them face-first into the ground.

Terrakion spat out a mouthful of dirt, then immediately puked. Virizon stood unsteadily, while Cobalion did the same with much less grace. Meloetta and the lake guardians flew around haphazardly, bonking heads and flying into each other.

After they all recovered, the legendaries formed a small group and stared in wonder at the magnificent structure that rose before them.

Marching off along either side of a road made from multicolored crystals, marble columns supported a large silver roof, both structures embraced by glowing emerald vines with flowers the colors of various jewels. Far away, a large, gleaming palace made from pure white jewels glowered at the small group of legendaries, the gems used to decorate it were minuscule against the massive size of the structure.

"The new Hall of Origin," Uxie breathed. "After Arceus' awakening in Sinnoh, Giratina, Palkia, and Dialga warped space, matter, and time to create a new palace where Arceus may rest, to ensure that no mortal Pokemon would ever attempt to disturb or control the Creator, the Trio Master, Arceus."

After Uxie's last words, the others were compelled to carefully walk along the dazzling road that stretched before them. They all knew there were only four living beings on this island besides them, and even they―legendaries―seemed rather insignificant to the god that rested mere miles away from them.

At last, the road stopped, giving way to a large plaza with three strange, glowing fountains. The one on the left side of the plaza was made completely from foggy ice, and a white diamond was summoning clear, crisp water to flow into the basin of the fountain. The central fountain seemed to be sculpted entirely out of red and amber crystals, and the red diamond-shaped crystal that levitated above the fountain was spewing blazing hot lava that showed not a speck of ash nor dark gray. The one on the right was perhaps the strangest of all―a fountain with a strong magnetic field that seemed to have been made out of the stone from Chargestone Cave, except that the power was magnified tenfold. From this fountain, a pure white-blue substance similar to water flowed from a white-yellow diamond into in the fountain.

The strangest thing was that the liquids didn't overflow the basins of the fountains. It seemed that the crystals that produced the matter also had the ability to recycle each respective fluid, making sure that none of it touched the gleaming plaza floor.

Latios cleared his throat. "Uh… so this is the place where they should be. And unless the elemental chickens morphed into those fountains, I'm pretty sure they're supposed to come meet us."

The plaza stayed silent except for the gurgling of the fluids.

Latia winced. "Maybe you shouldn't have called them chickens."

"We need to state our business," Uxie informed them calmly. "They control the doors to the Palace―to the God Arceus. We need them to open the doors, and they need us to present our case first and decide whether our situation is worth contacting the God."

Latios blinked. "Ugh. I'm no good with the diplomatic stuff. Sis, I got your back."

"Why me?" Latias grumbled. "You think I'm better with words? Please."

"I'll do it," Cobalion said briskly, stepping forward. "The Legendary Birds! The Winged Mirages!" he addressed firmly. "I am Cobalion, leader of the Swords of Justice! Beside me are the other seekers―the Eon Duo, Meloetta of Music and Dances, the Lake Guardians of Emotion, Willpower, and Knowledge, and my companions―excluding Keldeo―from the Swords of Justice," he introduced. All three fountains glowed brighter. "I present my case: Darkrai has taken the seat of the Supreme Leader and is wreaking chaos across the regions! His tactics have destroyed the many innocent lives of the mortals, and we fear he may be attempting to claim the powers of the God―Arceus! With Giratina also involved, it is only a matter of time before Darkrai becomes truly too powerful for us to control. The world will be in turmoil then, and it will be the ultimate end of the world―the major legendaries have awakened and are battling, and only Darkrai and Giratina benefit from this chaos. This is our case―we need the advice of the God. We need his strength to prevent this disastrous future. I speak the truth with a clear mind. Please grant us passage to the Palace―the new Hall of Origin."

The fountains all started bubbling fiercely, and Virizon stepped back skittishly. Then the three fluids in the fountains separated themselves from the crystal structures, forming into avian shapes. The ice-cold water on the left shifted slowly into a graceful blue bird with understanding scarlet eyes and a long, ribbon-like tail. His body froze the water molecules in the air and he presented a field of cold.

The magma in the center of the plaza formed slowly into a large bird with gold-orange plumage and blazing head crest as well as a tail and wingtips made of flames. Her eyes were dark and forbiddingly black, and she radiated dry, burning heat.

The electrical liquid on the right manifested into a golden bird with visible bolts of lightning as wings and a tail. His dark eyes were encircled by black and tufts of his spiky feathers were as coal-black as darkness. A magnetic energy circled him, crackling with blue electricity.

"We are the Winged Mirages," Moltres spoke, her eyes stern as she hovered over her empty fountain. "We return your call."

From the left, Articuno spoke. "We will now counsel."

"Let us begin." Zapdos agreed from the right.

The three birds paused, the only sound in the air was their breathing and the flapping of their giant wings.

"The Iron-Willed-One speaks the truth," Articuno spoke, his voice as gentle as snow. "Great disaster rises among the path Darkrai creates. I have seen this in my divining ice. It is one of the futures."

"I have seen the same in my lava and the fires that speak of the future." Moltres's voice was a double timbre, her voice soft and faint but as deadly as flowing lava. "Yet I see even greater disaster if the Master of Creation, the Ultimate God, awakens."

"The mirages made by my magnetic fields predict the same," Zapdos said in a voice like rolling thunder. "Yet there are many other futures. The Prophecy speaks of this also."

"The Prophecy?" Uxie wondered aloud.

"The first part of the Prophecy," Articuno murmured. "Beginnings and Ends."

"The second part of the Prophecy," Moltres muttered. "Awakening and Death."

"The unborn, final part of the Prophecy," Zapdos whispered. "Chances and Choices."

All three birds went quiet, and the seekers―the legendary Pokemon who awaited the verdict―glanced at each other nervously. Uxie looked perplexed; she knew that the legendary birds were tied to Lugia, the Guardian of the Seer, who in turn was tied to Celebi, the Seer of Prophecies, from where all prophecies were born, which meant that the three legendary birds could easily get instant prophecies from Celebi. But she had never before seen a Pokemon predict the meaning of a prophecy before it came into existence. She now saw why the three birds chose to guard Arceus and forswear themselves from the mortal world. It was safer, for both them and the universe.

"Let us vote," Zapdos decreed. "I say no. The futures may all be bleak, but none can be worse than the one during which the god wakes. Veto. I cast my vote."

"I agree with the ones who seek," Articuno spoke. "Only the god can end Darkrai's chaos quickly, before he does more damage to the mortal world. Ita vero. I cast my vote."

The seekers stared at each other, their panic clear. It was one to one, a tie.

"Then it seems I must cast the final vote," Moltres murmured.

All beings held their breath as Moltres slowly closed her eyes to think.

"Sister," Zapdos said. "What is your vote?"

"The fires do not lie. I will not lie also," Moltres said quietly, her eyes still closed. "Remember, siblings, we are here by Arceus' will and our own decision." She paused, her flames crackling along her body. "After the God woke to stop the Great Battle in the mortal world, much devastation followed. Remember how he told us to never wake him, lest he destroys the world yet again."

"But the world will end if Giratina and Darkrai rise to power!" Azelf protested. "Think about it―if Darkrai wins, Giratina will drag everything into the Reversed World, and render the Overworld dark and forbidding. It will be the end of the world if that happens!"

Moltres slowly opened her eyes. "Being of Willpower, you speak of one future. Yet there are many other paths, different futures. I do not believe the God should wake, by his own will and for the safety of the mortal world."

"But the mortal world's going to be destroyed if Darkrai continues!" Mesprit argued. "After he conquers the world, he'll come straight here, take you guys out, and destroy Arceus and take his power! Surely the god wouldn't want that!"

Moltres stared levelly at Mesprit. "Beholder of Emotion, no one said that Darkrai will not be met with resistance. Nobody predicted that in all futures he will win. One cannot claim that the world will end if Darkrai continues. You cannot state that we will be defeated if that happens. Even if we are defeated, they cannot take our power. They cannot make us open the entrance to the Palace, either. Not Giratina, nor Darkrai, nor any new advances in the world of technology. They cannot enter the palace. It is not safe to wake the god. He does not want many things, but most of all, he does not want the world to be destroyed by his own work. I disagree with you. Veto. I cast my vote."

"No way!" Latios mumbled. Latias hushed him.

"Then it is decided," all three birds murmured. "Veto―two. Ita vero―one. They will not enter. We will not open the entrance."

"Hey, that's not fair!" Latios groused. "After all that flying and being awesome, you guys are rejecting us?! Talk about stubbornness!"

"I wish we brought Zygarde," Latias grumbled. "He could've argued them out of their petty voting business and busted open the doors."

"Can it, guys," Cobalion intervened. "The answer is no. We have to accept their decision. We need to find another way now."

"What if that was the only way?" Meloetta asked weakly.

"There is never only one way," Articuno said gently. "Just as there is never a true right or wrong. There are many futures, influenced by your choices. Do what you must, but not what you want. I believe, although I cannot intervene, that you will know what to do when the time comes. Perhaps Darkrai will win, maybe he will not. Overall, you must trust your actions and do what is best for the world."

"Suckers," Latios mumbled.

"Please leave now," Moltres said sternly. "You have been vetoed. You have no right to stay here."

"Sister," Articuno said swiftly. "There is much at risk here."

"Tell that to her before she made her vote," Zapdos rumbled.

Moltres met Articuno's gaze. "We cannot leave our stations, brother. The votes have been cast. The agreement is no."

Articuno stared at her, then lowered his head in acceptance. "Very well. I will not press the matter any further." He turned and rested his gaze on the seekers. "Farewell, friends… and good luck." Then all three legendary birds dispersed back into their fountains as energetic water, flowing in their basins.

"Wimps," Latias grumbled. "Well, what do we do now?"

"At least Darkrai's not allowed to attack the mortals right now," Virizon said. "Which would give us more time. I say we prevent Giratina from being able to break through the charm of the Reversed Tunnel and arrive in the Overworld."

"For that, we need the time-space orbs," Uxie proclaimed. "Bringing up another question―where are they?"

There was a silence, then Latios sighed. "We really screwed up, huh? Depending on those little jewels to stop the God of Antimatter… ugh. Who made those things, anyway?"

"That doesn't matter," Terrakion said. "As much as I hate to agree with Virizon, she's right. We gotta find those orbs first. Then we've got most, if not all, of the legendary artifacts protected."

"So… anyone have any ideas?" Latias asked uncomfortably. "I love treasure-hunting, but you gotta know where the treasure is first, or at least a clue."

Then a clear voice spoke out. "I know where they are."

All heads swiveled wildly, and an invisible Pokemon materialized in front of them. She had pale eyes and a soft pink body with a long tail. She was the Goddess of Creation, the First Goddess, sister of Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia.

"The mortals have come to the same conclusion―that Giratina and the legendary artifacts are the main problems," Mew said quietly. "I once blessed a line of Eevees with the ability of elemental shape-shifting. Thanks to Darkrai, only one remains. But I have contacted this shape-shifter, and it appears that some mortals already have the time-space orbs and some of the Plates. Let us go retrieve them, and hide them so that Darkrai and Giratina will never reach them again."

"Why are you here?" Latios demanded.

"Latios, shut up for a mo'," Latias turned to Mew. "So what are you telling us to do? I thought Cobalion sent you to convince Cressalia to bring out her dream powers and give Darkrai a good smackdown, right?"

Mew smiled gently. "There are some things the moon goddess refuses to do. I will not force her against her will. As for what I want us to do… why, I want us to go meet the rebels against Darkrai, of course!"

Latios groaned. "First, we get rejected by a bunch of elemental chickens. Now we're going off to play trading market with the mortals. This day just keeps getting better and better."

"Please shut up, dear brother," Latias grumbled. "Hop into the chariot, folks. Let's get outta here."

---

In Castelia City…

"We should get ready," Ralph said, looking around at the generals and lieutenants seated around him, and the mayor of Castelia City―Twilight the Leavanny. "First, we need to drive the Castelian Shadow Police Force out of the city. Then we'll face whatever Darkrai has in store for us."

Lumiere nodded, then glanced at a sheet of paper. "Half of both the 1st and 2nd Regiments have switched with the citizens who wish not to fight. We'll leave half of both the 3rd and 4th Regiments, with Amethyst and Mark, behind to protect the cities and towns under our control. Several units of the air forces from Nuvema, Accumula, and Striaton are assisting Castelia from the air. Victor,"―the Chandelure turned to the Snivy―"while the rest of us go off to get the rest of the army, you will be in charge of fighting the Castelian SPF and starting the revolt, understand?"

Victor puffed out his chest at the sound of such an important task and nodded importantly.

"I'll check in with the spies I sent out about the deployments of the Shadow Force army after we get back to Striaton to get my army," Charnette said. "Let's go, shall we?" She rose to her paws daintily, her one good eye narrowed as she surveyed her comrades.

"I'll go as well," Twilight volunteered. "I'd like to see the statistics of your army."

Ralph nodded. "Come on, guys." His auburn eyes turned into slits as he gazed out the window at a patrol of police passing by. "Let's go."

---

In the air…

Plasma stared silently out the cockpit window as the lead jet for the Shadow Force Air sped through the stinging sandstorms from the Desert Resort. His posture was straight, even though it took every bit of his willpower to not collapse. But Plasma was used to this pain. He had grown familiar with the burning curse that a broken oath, a long time ago, had brought on him.

The curse wasn't fair, of course. He hadn't been the one who broke the oath sworn upon the Bond of Friendship―now the Price of Betrayal. But he had been the one holding the sword when the promise was broken, resulting in a blistering curse that had no cure, not even if the broken promise sealed itself.

Plasma ignored the pain stiffly and thought about what he was about to do. He glanced at Shadowia Bomb―a spiky bulge of darkness―that was the only passenger beside him on the jet. A purple twenty was painted on it, representing the radius of the bombing zone. Plasma's only other companion was the Gliscor that flew the jet, and no other Pokemon were present.

So many deaths, Plasma thought, and guilt scorched through him, almost masking the constant flaring pain of the curse. It will be my fault. All of those deaths… He closed his eyes. I can't do this… but I have to.

It was because of the curse that he couldn't disobey Darkrai, though the dark lord knew not. It was because of the curse that Plasma was here as a general in the first place. The curse overwrote his willpower, unconsciously influencing his thoughts and tying his loyalties to Darkrai―the one who broke the promise he made Plasma a long time ago.

Plasma had tried to overcome the curse. Sometimes, he could, but if Darkrai really wanted Plasma to do something… he couldn't disobey. He would rather have killed himself, but no―the curse didn't allow his death. In this sense, he was invincible. But he was still a slave to Darkrai.

Be emotionless, Plasma told himself. It doesn't have to end this way. Nobody else, except those who the Shadowia Bomb will take the lives of, needs to die. I will prevent that. I can prevent that. I have to…

Suddenly, his mind went blank, and without control of his senses, Plasma watched his body move robotically over to the Shadowia Bomb and start preparing it for launch. He couldn't control his body. He tried to stop his paws from moving―he concentrated until his spirit screamed and his soul burned… but the curse was stronger. He couldn't control his own actions. He couldn't disobey Darkrai.

I will have my revenge, Darkrai, Plasma thought as he struggled to control his own body. And one day, you will feel the pain you inflicted upon me.

Then his mind went dark, and he faded into darkness, hopeless and filled with despair.

---

In Striaton City…

"Hey! Can you guys hear me?" Victor yelled, his face blurred on the computer screen.

The generals and lieutenants, along with Twilight and Akhelios, were in the meeting room, discussing plans and putting on their uniforms. A computer sat in a corner of the meeting room, with Victor's face on it as he talked to them through video chat.

"Yeah, we can hear you just fine," Mark replied. "What's up?"

"I already started the revolution!" Victor shouted over cyberspace, brimming with a smile. "We've already driven the police outta town! Does that deserve a compliment or what?"

"Did you actually participate in the fighting?" Charnette asked sarcastically. "I'm pretty sure you didn't. No compliments for you."

"Aw, come on," Victor teased.

"Why do I get left behind?" Amethyst complained. "I wanna fight beside Charna!"

"Hush, Ame," Charnette soothed. 'You'll get your chance."

"But it ain't fair!"

Charnette rolled her good eye, then suddenly frowned dangerously. "My spies are reporting back."

"How?" May asked, frowning.

"There's a Kecleon named Will and a Kirlia named Bonnie doing the spying," Charnette explained. "Will, because he can blend, and Bonnie because she has telepathy. Now shut up and let me hear what they have to say."

Everyone immediately clammed up.

"Mm. Yes, good job and all that," Charnette said aloud.

"Does her telepathy work when she speaks?" May murmured. Amethyst nodded.

"Yeah, keep on spying on them… hmm? Oh, that's probably not good. Get back to work. I'll figure out a plan… yes." Charnette whirled around to face them. "I've got bad news and confusing news. Which first?"

"Bad news," Lumiere said.

Charnette snickered in acknowledgment. "The Shadow Force Navy's docked in the middle of the ocean, some twenty miles away from the Castelian harbors. Then the Shadow Force Air Force is flying above Castelia, also some twenty miles into the air. I wonder how they can breathe up there. Fancy little jets," she jeered.

"What's the confusing news?" Charlez asked.

"This is going to sound odd," Charnette said. "The Shadow Force didn't send any ground troops."

Ralph blinked. "That's a surprise."

"Why wouldn't they send ground troops..." Charnette mused. "Unless…" She trailed off silently.

Victor frowned. "Maybe they're planning to bomb Castelia?"

Charnette shook her head. "That's impossible. My spies report that they don't have any bombs with enough firepower to do any damage."

"How do you know that?" Mark asked.

Amethyst snorted. "They prolly used a firepower scan on the aircrafts. 'S real simple, a bab could do it!"

"I hate magic," Rachiel muttered.

Charnette suddenly snarled. Everybody jumped and looked at her. Her eye was fierce and unforgiving. "But the firepower spell doesn't work if the bomb isn't made out of the usual material that bombs are made out of. What if they made it out of magic? Out of darkness?"

Lumiere blinked. "But magical bombs must be released or used immediately after their creation, and they explode quickly. One wouldn't use an Air Force to do that, especially not from a jet that high up."

Amethyst frowned, then caught on to Charnette's point. "The problem ain't the bombs, Lampface. 'S what they plannin' ta do with the air forces. Bombs or no bombs, magic or no magic, they canna send ground troops. Why's what the lass's askin'."

Charnette growled, finishing the sentence. "Because the ground isn't safe."

Then a bone-shaking rattle rumbled through the earth, and the only thing they heard was Victor's scream as the computer screen went dark.

---

A full minute later…

"Oh, my gods!" Mark yelled, shaking the computer. "Victor! Victor, answer me!"

"Don't do this to me, buddy!" Jason added, pounding on the computer screen. "I have fifty waffles if you talk!"

Lilac the Swanna, general of the Striaton Air Force, zipped into the room. "We've lost contact with the air forces in Castelia!" she cried.

"Let's go there ASAP!" Mark bellowed.

"No! It's not smart!" Rachiel argued.

"You're not smart!"

"We need to go save Victor and the others!" Ralph cried out.

"This ain't a funny prank!" Xeno yelled.

Only Charnette stayed perfectly composed. "It's not a prank!" she yowled sharply. Nobody seemed to hear her, as the room was in complete chaos, and she snarled a spell. Suddenly everyone fell silent, their nerves no longer working properly. "This is just what I suspected," Charnette continued as soon as everyone was quiet. "He used the Shadowia Bomb. It's a bomb made from Dark Stardust mined from who-knows-what-evil-place. It can't be detected by any magic spells, and it destroys everything completely. As for right now, we shouldn't rush into things. We can assume everybody, including our air forces, are dead. The Shadow Force's army should be fine, as they would've known about the bombing beforehand. We, however, didn't. We also don't know what other flimsy tricks Darkrai has up his sleeves. For now, we need to stay here and stay cautious until Darkrai sends in his ground troops. Only then can we assume that it's safe to battle them there." She looked around, then undid her paralysis spell. "Got that?"

Everyone grumbled, but they saw the wisdom in her words.

"What do we do?" Akhelios looked frightened, while Twilight seemed to be in shock of acknowledging her city and citizens had been obliterated. "What if they bomb us too? We just rebuilt part of Striaton City… I can't let that happen!"

"First of all, let's calm down," Lumiere said shakily. "Let's do this right―" He was forced to stop as a video conference popped up on the computer screen, showing Mayor Mack and Mayor Airavata's anxious faces.

"Did you feel that? My sources say they annihilated Castelia!" Mack yelled. "What's going on? What if they bomb us?"

"Stop your march or whatever you're doing!" Airavata added. "We need to protect our cities first!"

"Quiet, you idiots!" Charnette barked. "We can cast an arcane barrier on each city. It'll stop magical or abnormal bombs, decrease the damage of a Shadowia Bomb―"

"Shadowia what?" Mack muttered.

"It's the bomb they used on Castelia," Charlez told him.

"―but it won't stop normal bombs. That's okay, because you all have enough air forces to fend off the normal bombs," Charnette continued. "The important thing is to stay calm. The odds of them having another Shadowia Bomb with such power would be extremely low―if there were any odds at all. See, Shadowia Bombs are pushing the laws of magic. No more than one can exist at a time."

Lumiere nodded. "I see. And their air forces, from what our spies say, don't have any normal bombs, which means the rest of us are safe."

Charnette nodded, then froze. "My spies say that the air force has landed in Castelia," she announced. "Let's not engage them in battle right now. First, Amethyst and I, along with members of the 4th Regiment, will go and set up the arcane barriers, the rest of you―keep a sharp eye out. Use your little satellites or whatever magic you have to keep track of the ground troops in Castelia. If they start crossing Skyarrow Bridge, get Lumiere or someone to telepath me. Let's do this."

"Agreed," Ralph said. "We need to be more careful."

Charnette nodded briskly. "Come, Amethyst."

And the rest of the generals and lieutenants scattered to rally their armies.

---

In the newly destroyed Castelia City…

Plasma walked among what had once been Castelia City. The entire city and coast had been leveled―perfect for fighting a battle. The Navy would reach him in an hour or so, and he would wait for them. He knew the Navy would be an important factor in this battle if he wanted to win.

Thankfully, Skyarrow Bridge hadn't been destroyed. Plasma felt relieved at the sight of the blue-white bridge stretching over the strait of ocean water. He'd had good times on that bridge. He was glad it was still standing.

Turning to his soldiers, who were unloading military supplies and setting up medical tents, he gave them a few, brief words about the coming battle. They cheered, and went back to their work. Plasma unpacked his own supplies and took out a magic scroll―it would teleport his message to whomever he wished, as long as they were in the overworld. Unscrolling the thin paper, he took a magic quill in his mouth and started writing on the paper in red ink.

To the rebels:

I wish to engage your army in battle today, in an hour's time. Bring all your forces without fear, for today is not the day we plan to attack your other towns and cities. We did not bring any more bombs. You may send us a message within the next half hour declaring your surrender if you wish not to fight. If I receive no message in the next thirty minutes, I will expect you to fight. Come to us, or we will come to you. You have an hour to prepare if you decide to battle.

―General Plasma

6th Regiment

"Take it to Mayor Akhelios of Striaton City," Plasma told the scroll. It glowed briefly, then vanished.

Two soldiers―a Carbink and a Machoke―approached him.

"General Plasma," the Carbink said. "Your tent is set up. Please rest."

Plasma dipped his head. "Thank you," he said curtly, then retreated to his tent. A PC was set up in a corner, and he went to it after some hesitation. He tapped nervously on the computer, then sent a message to Stary,

She answered the call immediately. "Hey, Plasma! You're there! Darkrai's very pleased with you! That bombing style was awesome!"

"Of course," Plasma replied, feeling absolutely nothing but the guilt of the deaths from her praise. "Are Doomsday and Ranark nearby?"

"They're training their troops," Stary replied.

Plasma narrowed his eyes. "They'll come tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, that's the order."

"And you will only start attacking the rebelling towns and cities tomorrow as well?" Plasma asked.

Stary nodded. "Yes, that was the plan." Her face suddenly went slack. "You're not planning to attack them solo, are you?"

"Old friend," Plasma said coldly. "You're underestimating me." Then he severed the connection without another word. Unsheathing the Price of Betrayal, he turned and awaited the rebel's approach.

---

In the training fields…

"Doomsday! Ranark!" Stary trilled as she searched the training fields for her comrades. "Where are you guys?" She spotted the tiny shape of Ranark and Doomsday arguing as their regiments brawled with each other. "Oh! There!" She spiraled down from the air and landed between the two. "Stop!" she yelled just as Doomsday prepared to pounce on Ranark.

Both generals frowned and stepped backward.

"Do you have a problem?" Doomsday asked sourly.

Stary bobbed her head frantically. "Plasma―I think he's planning to attack the rebels solo!"

Doomsday nodded impatiently. "Of course he's going to. I foresee a battle happening. Can you leave now? Ranark needs a proper thrashing."

"Doomsday needs to be put in her place," Ranark growled.

"Oh, dear. Who's the mad little froggy now?"

"What?" Stary screeched. "Then you must leave now! We need to help him!"

Doomsday frowned. "He doesn't need our help."

"Who'd want your help?" Ranark muttered.

Stary flapped her wings anxiously. "Where's Darkrai, then?" she demanded. "He needs to know about this!"

"He's beyond the reach of cyberspace communication and all that," Doomsday replied loftily. "The lord's off to visit that Nidoqueen empress in the Northern Kingdom."

"Ugh!" Then Stary made up her mind. "I'll take my army and go, then. When Darkrai comes back, tell him―"

"You're supposed to leave tomorrow," Ranark reminded her drily. "And you're supposed to attack the cities and towns under the rebels' control, not Castelia City."

Stary stomped her talons. "I don't care! I'm not going to leave Plasma alone in the fight!"

"I think you're underestimating just what your dear Plasma had become," Doomsday mused. "He doesn't need your help, Stary. Besides, aren't you getting awfully protective of him?"

"I am not, and he does need my help!" Stary shouted, then whirled around. "I'll get the teleportation units ready and leave as soon as possible. If you want to help, this is your last chance!" She flapped her wings furiously and zipped off.

Doomsday gave Ranark a bored glance. "Do you feel like hopping over to Castelia?" Ranark made a gagging motion. "Let the birdy do her motherly job. I've got my hands full already."

The two generals turned back towards their army, completely ignoring Stary as she searched for the teleportation units.

---

In Nacrene City…

"Monsieur!" A voice with a Kalosian timbre echoed through the halls of the Nacrene City Hall as a Glaceon skidded to a stop at the doorframe of the meeting room, where the mayor, Aronel, and several other Pokemon were having a meeting. "We 'ave been played, monsieur!"

"I know that, Snowflake," Aronel growled. "We all know that it was the Shadow Force that bombed Castelia."

A Zebstrika from across the table nodded. "Half of the citizens are already demanding to go into battle, and they want an answer now. What will you do, Mayor?"

Aronel rose from his seat, his massive body relaxed yet set with a certain degree of sternness. "I will speak to the citizens. Snowflake, Stryker." He nodded at the Zebstrika. "And the rest of you. Accompany me to the platform."

The platform was actually a balcony on the City Hall where the mayor addressed his citizens' concerns. A mob of anxious and frightened Pokemon was swirling restlessly in the plaza in front of the City Hall. When they saw the mayor come into appearance, many voices rose and shouted, stating their concerns and demands.

"Citizens of our fair Nacrene City!" Mayor Aronel boomed, with an authority that made every noisy Pokemon fall silent. "I understand some of you wish to embrace the idea of a revolution, while others desire peace and protection. Let me make this clear―the Shadow Force has leveled Castelia City, killing thousands of innocents. Who can assure that they will not do the same to us once we protest their unjust demand of taxes of military supplies?

"We will extract our freedom and rights, but we shall do it the correct way," Aronel continued. "Let us decide with a clear and justified mind. Shall we join the Revolutionists?"

"No way!" one Pokemon yelled. "They bombed Striaton City!" A murmur of agreements clamored along the statement.

"Do give me a break." Snowflake said impatiently, then turned to Aronel. "Zat is what I meant by being played by ze Shadow Force." She pulled out a tablet, which was playing the television feed of the Striaton Bombing. She paused the feed suddenly and zoomed in, then uploaded the image to the huge screen that took up the wall of the City Hall facing the citizens. "See 'ere, citizens of fair Nacrene! Witness 'ow, over 'ere, ze Shadow Force used computers to edit zeir emblem on zeir jets out of ze feed! Zey 'ave lied to us! Zey bombed Striaton―see 'ow a smudge of the emblem remains 'ere?" she shouted.

The mob went insane with this new revelation. Aronel's eyes went wide―but there was no mistake. Snowflake was right. The Shadow Force had been playing with them. Along the tail of one of the jets, a faint purple smudge that hadn't been completely edited out glowed faintly.

"It is decided!" Aronel announced. "We will ally ourselves with the revolutionists. Any objections?"

"Nay!" the citizens boomed.

Aronel turned to his attendants. "Let us go, then," he growled. "The Shadow Force have made a dangerous enemy today. By my power and authority, I will see them fall!"

---

In Striaton City…

"We've calmed the annoyances in the cities," Charnette announced. "And we set up all the borders―by the way, Morfient and Trent say "hi." Oh, you guys got a letter from some general? Lemme see!" She snatched Plasma's letter from Ralph and skimmed it quickly. "Well, this can't be good. But in any case, you probably shouldn't surrender," the Liepard continued slyly. "Otherwise, I will peel the flesh from your little bones and boil your meat for dinner. I haven't had Lucario soup in forever."

Ralph coughed and backed away. "Not planning to."

"I'm sure it's not a trap, though," Lumiere said. "And there's only one Shadow Force regiment over there. Maybe we can take them down. We don't want him marching over here. I think he might have the ability to destroy Striaton if he wants to. We can't let it come to that."

"Agreed," Ralph said, determined. "We must meet him in battle. Get your regiments ready, guys. It's time to fight."

"Uh, that's great and all, but can you guys read the letter?" Rachiel said drily. "Like, read it aloud? 'Cuz the rest of us haven't heard it yet."

"Oh, sorry." Lumiere quickly read the letter. The group fell into a sort of ominous silence.

Charlez was the first to speak. "Did you say… Plasma?" She looked as white as a ghost.

"Yes, love, he did," Charnette snapped. "Problem? If not, let's march and get this battle over with. I have so many new spells to use. Let's stop wasting time."

Charlez bit her lip. "Let's go, then," she said reluctantly.

"Wait a sec," Mark interrupted hotly. "What about me? I'm not staying back this time! They killed Victor, my lieutenant… your friend! I'm not going to sit here and twiddle my talons until you guys finish them off!"

"I'll switch places with you!" Charlez offered quite eagerly. "I can command and organize the troops here just fine."

Ralph nodded. He was glad that the elderly Kricketune would be out of harm's way. "Take care, then," he said. "Everybody, use the next hour to prepare and organize the rest of the army. We need to make the deaths of the ones who died in Castelia worth it. We have to win."

With a silent agreement, the generals and lieutenants dispersed to rally their troops.

"Are we there yet?" Xeno asked as she led the remaining forces of the 2nd Regiment, peering out over the road. "Wait, is that it?"

Rachiel, who was marching beside her and looking wholly uncomfortable in her uniform, shook her head. "That's Nacrene City. Castelia City is beyond the Skyarrow Bridge. Usually, we cross the bridge before getting to the city."

"Guys, are you sure that's Nacrene City?" Jason asked, trying to keep up with the 2nd Regiment's pace. "It looks like a riot center to me."

Rachiel narrowed her eyes, then widened them in surprise. "You're right. They seemed kinda panicked over there," she muttered as she stepped towards Nacrene City's city limits.

"I wouldn't do that," May warned as she floated beside them. "The city's protected by arcane barriers. Get too close and it'll either vaporize you or put you out of commission."

"Or turn you into a slime ball," Lumiere offered.

"Lovely," Rachiel mumbled, stepping squeamishly away from the city limits.

"Let the fools do their stuff," Xeno agreed. "We have more important things to figure out."

They marched on in silence, both the 1st and 2nd Regiments drastically reduced in number, thanks to the number of Pokemon that had died due to the Castelia Bombing. The army was still massive in bulk, however, with the 3rd and 4th Regiment soldiers taking up the place of their lost 1st and 2nd Regiment comrades. Lilac the Swanna led a small patrol of various air force units, flying above the bulk of the army.

"My sources report that the SF soldiers in Castelia haven't set up any traps or made the playing field to their advantage by digging trenches or anything," Charnette reported to Ralph, coming up to him from her place at the head of the 4th Regiment. "It seems that this Plasma would very much like a fair fight."

"Let's just hope it's not a trick," Ralph grunted. "From what Lumiere sensed with his magic, it's only one little regiment. Does Darkrai really think he'll take us down that easily with only one regiment?"

Rachiel shook her head as she approached Ralph's side. "What they lack in numbers, they'll make up in arms. Didn't Charnette say they had a Navy docked out there somewhere? You can bet they're depending on their little squadron of boats to take us out. Those boats probably have cannons and bazookas and whatnots."

"I can take care of that!" Lilac volunteered from above. She had been flying so silently that Ralph had almost forgotten her existence. "Air against Sea. Flying against Water. You bet we can take those meanies out!"

"That's the optimistic way of looking at it," Charnette purred. "Hopefully, they don't shoot you out of the air."

"Charnette," Rachiel grumbled. "Would it kill you to be a bit more optimistic?"

"Oh, you're killing me, Rachie." Charnette glanced at Lilac and smirked. "You'll definitely be shot out of the air, and I'm positively sure you're going to lose to the Navy!"

Rachiel sighed. "Not like that."

A Talonflame named Helium approached them. He was the lieutenant of the Accumula Air Force. "Don't worry. Some of us know magic spells as well. We won't let them defeat us." He assured Lilac.

"Of course not." Lilac sniffed and glared at Charnette, who merely meowed in return.

The rest of the march was spent in silence. They marched along the road and started quickly across Skyarrow Bridge. Ralph was afraid that the Shadow Force might suddenly attack them on the bridge―or worse―destroy it and send the Revolutionists plummeting to their deaths. But nothing happened. The air was deadly silent, except for the tramping of footsteps. The Revolutionists all whispered and looked fleetingly at the dead air about them. Even the sea ceased to churn under them.

Then they arrived at Castelia City.

At first sight, one couldn't even tell that this had once been the greatest financial center in all of Unova. The entire city had been flattened to the ground, and the dirt was black with sparkling purple bits of Dark Stardust, which seemed like a cruel feature to this newly devastated city, as the dark stardust bits were breathtakingly beautiful. Across this field, the Castelian harbors seemed to be the only things left partially intact - one could still recognize those once-proud piers and docks. And on the other side of the field, across from the Revolutionists was…

"The Shadow Force." Ralph felt his throat tighten with fear. "They're really here."

Charnette stepped to his side, her emerald eye hard. "Get ready," she warned. "This isn't going to be easy."

"Hold it―someone's coming towards us," Jebodiah from the front ranks of the 1st Regiment warned. Billy twitched nervously beside him.

Ralph peered across the no-man's-land to see a Castform racing towards them, holding a white flag of truce.

"Get ready," Charnette murmured, chuckling darkly. "I have a feeling things are going to get a lot more interesting."

---

On the other side of the battlefield…

So they decided to fight. Plasma stared emotionlessly across the devastated ground. With his enhanced vision―a benefit from the curse―he could accurately see the large group of Pokemon pouring across the bridge. He saw hesitation and fear amongst them, but that did not slow their steps. He respected that. It pleased him to see that his soon-to-be enemies had courage. But this is not a fight you will win.

The 6th Regiment shuffled uneasily, whispering among themselves. Several soldiers stepped forward, as if wondering why Plasma wasn't giving orders.

"Hold your ranks," Plasma said sharply. "We will not be hasty here. Their numbers are greater than ours, if it comes to a fight. We must get all the advantages we can without resorting to dirty tactics."

The 6th Regiment soldiers nodded approvingly and stepped back. New as he was, Plasma was well-respected as a thoughtful and intelligent general. No one disobeyed his orders―not because they fear him―but because they knew he gave them the best chances of survival.

"Lulu," Plasma called out quietly. A Castform who performed the duties as Plasma's messenger rushed to his side. "Take a white flag of truce and tell their leader to meet me in the center. Tell him to bring no weapons. He is allowed to have two Pokemon at most to come with him. If he refuses, don't press the matter and come straight back."

He watched the Castform zip across the charred ground towards the enemy, who had stopped a small way from Skyarrow Bridge. They didn't seem all that anxious to attack. Plasma narrowed his eyes. The Lucario spoke roughly to Lulu, then nodded to his own comrades. A Liepard and Chandelure parted from the group to follow the Lucario slowly across the ground. Then they stopped, hesitating. Lulu murmured some encouraging words, and the Liepard snapped at her.

Only then did Plasma unfreeze from his motionless pose. He walked swiftly across the turf, his steps brisk and formal, yet laced with a caution that indicated he was ready for battle at a moment's notice. For a second, Plasma considered leaving the Price of Betrayal behind, but dismissed the thought. The sword, being his mind blade, would simply teleport back to him after a while if he moved within a foot away from it. He did not want any misunderstandings with the rebels.

He stopped just short of the rebels, who were fixing him with nervous yet determined glares. The Liepard had an unusually strong aura of darkness, and one of her emerald eyes were gone. She didn't look like much, but Plasma sensed that she was the most dangerous of the three Pokemon before him. The rebel leader―the Lucario―looked nervous, though he tried to hide it with his determination. Plasma noted his pose and deducted that this Lucario would be no problem if it came to a fight. He was obviously not a skilled fighter. As for the Chandelure, he seemed more like a peaceful being, not a bloodthirsty warrior. Plasma suspected that he was a medic, which made him respect the Chandelure all the more. After all, medics risked their lives on the battlefield to protect and heal others, without concern for their own well-being.

Plasma sat down and slowly drew his mind blade. The Lucario's eyes widened, but the Liepard and Chandelure looked merely impressed, in a bored sense of way when it came to the Liepard. He then understood that the two were used to magic, and lots of it. He carefully set the blade, point down, into the ashy dirt below, to show that he meant no harm.

Then he fixed his eyes on the Lucario. The curse flared crushingly against his fur and skin, but he ignored the pain. I can stop the deaths. He thought. No curse can prevent me from doing what's right. It cannot stop me from playing fair. He flicked a cool, calm glance over the group of Pokemon in front of him, then spoke.

"We have a lot to consider here."

---

From another point of view…

"Oh, sure," Charnette purred. "Let's chit-chat, shall we?"

The Luxray in front of Ralph ignored her entirely. Ralph frowned. There was something different about this Luxray. He might've been a general and a member of the Shadow Force, but there was something oddly… different about him. He seemed more justified than anyone else Ralph had faced before. He had an easy pose, and the sword he'd driven into the ground didn't look exactly friendly. Ralph had a feeling that if the Luxray general made a sudden move, he'd probably want to get out of sword-swinging range.

"My name is Plasma," the Luxray introduced in a glacial yet somehow friendly voice. "I am here to offer you surrender. The coming battle doesn't have to happen. No more Pokemon need to die if you retreat."

Ralph frowned. "We're not giving up unless Darkrai does," he returned in a steely voice. "Even if we surrender, you can't say Darkrai won't kill us all."

"I can assure your safety," Plasma said. "Please trust me."

Charnette snorted. "Trust the enemy. Now I've seen everything."

"Charnette, he's telling the truth," Lumiere murmured. "He means it."

"Yeah, yeah. The cursed lion knows what he's talking about," Charnette purred strangely, her one good eye filled with amusement. "It's a surprise he hasn't collapsed yet. That curse would've made any lesser being be sent to a mental facility."

"What are you even talking about?" Ralph said irritably, then turned to Plasma. "Let's compromise, then. If Darkrai renounces the rank of the Supreme Leader and disbands the Shadow Force, and tear apart that new bill, we'll consider it."

Plasma paused for a quiet moment, then stared at Ralph.

"I don't like battling," he said simply. "But I would like to end this war. However, there are things Darkrai will not do, not even if I talk to him about it."

"If you don't like battling, why are you here?" Ralph pointed out.

Plasma frowned. "I want to stop this," he replied. "For many centuries, every great conflict has come from the obsession with power. But what is power? The ability to control everything? And what's there to gain from power? Will anyone be truly powerful when they finally acquired power?"

"Darkrai wants to be a god," Ralph remembered from Lunis' words. "That's what we learned. He wants to be like Arceus."

"That wouldn't be so bad," Charnette remarked. "Eternal nap."

Plasma nodded. "But that's not it. Darkrai wants to remake the world into his own image. I... don't know why he wants to do this, but I can tell you he will not stop his plans now. This is the addiction of power. It is born from greed. Even when you have everything in the world, you still want more."

Ralph nodded. "That's really sad, but you're right," he muttered, then frowned. "Why are you with the Shadow Force if that's what you believe?" he asked. "Why didn't you join us instead of them?"

"Do you honestly think he had a choice?" Charnette murmured, laughing quietly. "The advantages of such a lovely curse…"

Plasma pointed his muzzle at Charnette. "She is correct. There are many reasons I cannot step away from this, mostly because of a mistake a long time ago. But I am also here because I believe the Shadow Force can change. You must understand, rebel leader, that not all of the Pokemon in the Shadow Force are evil. May have been misled, or tricked into joining. That's why I'm here. I want to stop that. I want to stop this." He gestured at the ruined ground.

"You can do that by joining us," Ralph offered. "We can do this together. We can stop this war."

Plasma shook his head. "I would like that," he admitted. "But I don't want to do it your way. You seek violence when you speak those words. And I would prefer to not to come in contact with that even if I had a choice."

"But you don't." Charnette giggled. "Poor boy."

"No side is truly justified in this battle." Plasma continued. "No matter how right each side is. I stand with Darkrai because I wish to know milord better. I seek peace for the world. But as fate would have it… before peace, there is always violence."

"Is that why you bombed Castelia?" Ralph demanded, gesturing at the destroyed city. "Is this your peace? Your justice?"

Plasma sighed quietly. "I am but a mere servant of my lord," he clarified. "I must obey his orders, even if I despise my own actions. I regret the lives that were lost. I truly do. But I cannot fight the will of my leader."

"Why not?" Ralph asked.

"You won't understand," Plasma said darkly. "But please surrender. There is another way to solve this. I believe in that. We don't have to keep on fighting."

"Then you surrender," Charnette muttered.

Plasma raised his head defiantly. "It is my lord's desire to fight," he said, with a queer hatred in his voice. "I cannot defy his orders. If it comes to a fight, I will fight mercilessly but fairly. I don't believe that deaths need to appear in battle. Nobody has to die. Nobody deserves to die."

'We're not surrendering," Ralph replied.

Plasma nodded. "I suspected as much. I'm sorry that it'll come to a fight. I won't hold back against you during it, even if you are fighting for truer justice than the side I am on; even if I do not like to fight. I will give you ten minutes to prepare your troops. Tell your soldiers that they need not kill, for mine will not kill as well."

"Oh, good," Charnette said. "Killing spells take too much energy. I can reserve my curses this way."

Plasma dipped his head in a deep bow. Before Ralph's surprised eyes, the sword Plasma had impaled in the ground floated upwards and sheathed itself.

"Thank you for coming at my request," Plasma said. "Good luck, and let us fight fair." Then, with the Castform bobbing at his side, the Luxray general turned away and walked back towards his ranks.

"What a nice guy," Lumiere commented.

Ralph frowned. "He is," he agreed. "But why would he be on the wrong side?"

"Ah, his sword, of course!" Charnette grinned.

Lumiere nodded. "A tragedy that he's a victim," he muttered. "Poor guy."

Ralph blinked. "What?"

"That sword Plasma has," Charnette explained. "It's a mind blade―a weapon that is connected to its host's mind. That's how he can control it telepathically. But to create a mind blade, you need to either strengthen a strong oath that has been made with a Pokemon with strong aura―like… hmm… a legendary, perhaps, or a good friend of the host―or…" Her eyes flashed nefariously. "You need to break the oath.

"Now, breaking the oath would be the less desirable way to make the blade, because the host of the weapon would be cursed in the process. If the oath was strengthened, the host would be blessed. In Plasma's case, an oath was obviously broken, probably not even by him. Poor darling." Charnette laughed mirthfully. "The difference between a curse and a blessing? A blessing sharpens the host's skills and protects him or her from most arcane or life-threatening attacks. A curse weakens the host, and ties him to the one who broke the oath in the first place, making the host a slave of the oathbreaker. It also casts one of the worst elemental curses on the host―in this case, a burning curse. Any mage can see that lovely, excruciatingly painful curse he bears. It's a miracle he's able to hide his pain."

Ralph felt upset. So Plasma had been forced into this battle by not fault or will of his own. He gained a huge respect for the general. He also believed everything that Plasma said―that his soldiers would attempt to not kill.

"But do be careful when fighting him, won't you?" Charnette purred. "He's dangerous."

Lumiere nodded. "Indeed. The cursed ones often have heightened senses sharpened by their pain. He won't be easy to fight."

"Why?" Ralph asked."

Charnette smiled maliciously. "Because there is no enemy more dangerous than one who has nothing to lose."

---

Ten minutes later…

"Smart call the wolf made." Rachiel scowled. "Waiting ten minutes."

"He's more like a lion," Xeno said.

"Whatever."

"What?" Ralph frowned. "Was it?"

"He was waiting for his Navy to arrive," Charnette chirped, strangely laughing. "Dear me. His little regiment wasn't big enough to take us out, but he knew that with the navy on his side, he'd be able to stand on fair ground with us."

"Well, he did say he wanted to fight fair," Lumiere pointed out. "By the way, we set up the field hospital near the entrance to the Skyarrow Bridge. Remember to go there if you're hurt. We don't have enough medics to keep an eye out for everyone."

"Twelve more seconds!" May warned.

"Positions, everyone!" Rachiel barked. "And remember―maiming is fine, but try not to kill! Our enemies want a fair battle. Let's give them one!"

The troops cheered in reply. A cry from the Shadow Force echoed their voices. "THREE!"

"They're counting down," Xeno said. "That's unexpected."

"TWO!"

"Well, they did want to fight fair," Ralph murmured. "Let's get ready, guys!"

"ONE!" Both sides raced towards each other. The Revolutionists' air units screeched as they dove at the Shadow Force Navy. Cannon shots pierced the air. A Hurricane ripped through the churning waters, slamming into an iron-clad ship with full force. Two Shadow Force boats sank. The Revolutionists cheered in reply.

"Let's go!" Jebodiah yelled, charging into battle and slamming straight into a Feraligator. "Billy!"

"Coming!" the Treecko yelled, and let loose with a huge Solar Beam that slammed into the blue croc and sent him flying miles back. Jebodiah lashed his tail, sending a Pikachu spinning away, and jumped onto a Golem's back.

As for Ralph, he charged at Plasma.

Plasma nodded briefly at him, eyes narrowing, and easily slipped through Ralph's attacks with graceful speed and agility. His cold and calculating eyes seemed to be able to predict Ralph's every move and counter accordingly. Ralph winced as a particularly heavy blow knocked him off his feet, but he rolled and recovered easily. Plasma hadn't unsheathed his sword yet, which stayed strapped to his side. He wondered how long it would be before Plasma got fed up with fighting him and drew the sword.

"Oh, do watch out for the sword." Charnette suddenly manifested behind Ralph, countering Plasma's Iron Tail attack with a Shadow Claw. "All mind blades can use a certain element or two, which we call element aspect. Depending on the number of elements, he should be able to activate special elemental spells and attacks with that lovely little sword. You should probably watch out if Plasmie dear's eyes start glowing… hmm… gold, maybe? I like gold! Or if he suddenly shouts a command in Notiqua or something like that. Either one would mean he's going to activate his mind blade!" Charnette chuckled. "Ah, nice fighting with you, Plasmie dear. Stop by for tea sometimes, won't you? I must go help my dear Rachie now. Bye!" The darkness wrapped around her, and she disappeared.

"I won't use my sword," Plasma said as he watched Ralph stagger towards him. "It wouldn't be fair if I did."

Ralph nodded, out of breath, and lashed out suddenly with an Aura Sphere. Plasma countered it with Iron Tail, then used the smoke to charge through and send Ralph flying into his own Rhyperior ally. Dazed, Ralph fell to his knees. The Rhyperior grunted in surprise, then collapsed as Plasma knocked him out with a single swift blow. Ralph braced himself for the finishing blow, but instead, he felt himself being lifted into the air. Opening his eyes, he saw the sky rush past above him. It occurred to him that he was on Plasma's back. The general's fur was blazing hot under his uniform, as if… as if he was being burned alive…

The curse, Ralph realized. He wondered dizzily how Plasma could bear such pain.

"Ralph!" The Lucario pricked up as he heard May's cry. "Oh my… what do you want with him?"

Plasma slipped Ralph off his back. "I'll return to the battle now," he said curtly. "Be prepared for more wounded ones. None of my soldiers will attack your medics, if you'll order the same for your soldiers. Feel free to go save your comrades."

"Seriously?" Lumiere asked. "You'd go this far?"

Plasma stared at him levelly. "I may not be able to stop this battle," he said quietly. "But I can reduce the damage and casualties. Nobody needs to die in battle." With that, he spun on his heels and darted off, only pausing to speak to some of his soldiers.

"I'll go tell our troops to not attack their medics," Lumiere said, and rushed off.

"I've never met a general like that," May murmured. "Or a Shadow Force member. He seems too kind to be in that group."

Ralph gazed across the battlefield, where Plasma was helping a Shadow Force soldier limp towards the Shadow Force medical camp. "He is," he agreed.

"Charge forward without fear!" Ralph rallied as his exhausted troops struggled forward, unorderly and low in morale. The enemy, as few as they were, proved surprisingly capable of fending for themselves and keeping calm. The ground was dark with blood, and medics rushed unencumbered through the masses of Pokemon, desperately trying to help the wounded.

Screams and wails rushed through the 1st and 2nd Regiment, who were fighting their way through the western wedge of Plasma's soldiers. The Luxray himself fought like the devil, snapping and knocking Pokemon flying with swift shouldering techniques.

"Get through them! All we need to do is separate their ranks!" Rachiel ordered, then lowered her voice as she spoke to Ralph. "Plasma's soldiers are too tightly knit together. If we want any chance of defeating them, we're going to have to break their ranks."

Plasma spun around. With his hyper hearing abilities, also a benefit from the curse, he'd heard Rachiel over the hubbub. "Stand your ground!" he ordered sharply. "Western rank, move five feet back!"

Ralph blinked. "Are they retreating?"

Rachiel cursed. "Of course not! Stop them!" she yelled.

Ralph ran forward. "Why are they retreating?"

"They're not retreating!" Rachiel growled. "Look!" she gestured with a lash of her barbed tail. Ralph followed her gaze to see the 1st and 2nd Regiment battling a completely different battalion of soldiers. "Plasma's a smart guy. He switched the western wing of his soldiers with his northern wing, because the northern wing actually has Pokemon that can win against us!"

Xeno hobbled painfully towards them. "She's right. It's almost as if the northern wing was specifically designed to take down the 1st and 2nd Regiments' ranks! The soldiers in that rank have all the elemental advantages! How does he do that?!"

"He's also using the divide-and-conquer strategy," Rachiel snarled. Ralph looked around and saw she was right. Each Revolutionist regiment was in a sea of enemies. They might've outnumbered Plasma's regiment as a whole, but as separate regiments, which numbered half of each regiment's original numbers, they were the ones outnumbered.

"Smart little lad," Charnette chuckled, seemingly the only one who was unaffected by the fact that the Revolutionists were losing. "Took all the advantages in battle, elemental and all that. We're going to lose!"

"Are you mad?" Ralph asked.

Charnette flashed him a sly smile. "Was I ever sane?"

"Would you two stop with the chit-chat and come help?" Rachiel yowled.

"So much for a fair fight," Charnette mused, then ran back to help her regiment.

"Central ranks! Quattuor, quinque!" Plasma barked. "Head towards the coast!"

"He even named his ranks," Rachiel muttered a curse. "And he sent his fourth and fifth rank to help his navy. This is impossible. His army is too organized and has too many advantages for us to win. What do we do?"

"It doesn't matter what he has," Ralph said, determined. "We have a purpose. We need to win!"

"Have you ever heard the quote 'a battle can be won before it's fought by using strategy'?" Rachiel asked.

"Oh, that's not good!" Xeno yelped. "They're taking out our Air Force!"

Over by the coast, Plasma's quattuor and quinque ranks were taking out the flying Pokemon with Thunder and flying projectiles. A Hurricane swept through the ranks, but several Pokemon in the Shadow Force ranks used Protect, effectively blocking the swirling wind.

"So while he's getting all the advantages, he's taking out all our advantages as well." Rachiel snarled. "Petty little strategist!"

"Forward!" Plasma shouted, and Ralph's 1st Regiment fell backward as Plasma's ranks steadily marched forward. They all moved in synchronization, not missing a beat, and keeping the same tempo, defying the resistance the 2nd Regiment attempted to put up despite missing the 1st Regiment, which was being overrun by several ranks on the ridge of the Shadow Force regiment.

Ralph and Rachiel raced forward, trying to get their troops back together, but Plasma's soldiers worked their way forward with a horrifying steadiness, hardly wavering as the revolutionists blasted their ranks with fire and water. They were as invincible as a shadow, creeping forward without hesitation, passing through air and the fissures in the ground created by the revolutionists' Ground types.

Finally, Plasma barked an order that Ralph couldn't hear, but the Shadow Force's regiment stopped in its tracks, holding a perfect silence and pose in a way that made the revolutionists hesitate to attack. On the coast, the revolutionists' aerial units had been finished off completely, the medics rushing about to save the wounded Pokemon, while the cannons on the Shadow Force Navy gleamed unchallenged. The SF ranks that had been helping out quickly returned the main bulk of their comrades, moving steadily without skipping a beat. They didn't move faster or slower, despite the revolutionists standing in their way. Soon, they rejoined the rest of their regiment and fell into their proper places.

A deathly silence followed, and Plasma approached Ralph. He looked unharmed, though he had discarded his uniform. He hadn't appeared to have drawn his sword either, as the hilt of the sword was untouched and unused.

"General Ralph," Plasma said. "Surrender."

"Nope," Xeno muttered under her breath. "Don't you dare."

Ralph held the Luxray's gaze steadily. "Not a chance."

"You may retreat in peace, then," Plasma said levelly. "My soldiers will let you go."

Rachiel came up to Ralph. "It might be for the best." she murmured in his ear, unaware that Plasma could hear every word perfectly with his heightened hearing. "We can either retreat now or be forced to retreat. We don't have any deaths in our ranks. It's best if we heal up and figure out a better strategy for the next time."

"Assuming there is a next time," Charnette added, materializing next to Rachiel, along with Mark, who had a dislocated arm. "Who says nobody's going to die today?"

"Thank you, Ms. Cheerful," Rachiel scowled. "But either way, the only option I see is retreat. We need better training and tactics if we want to win this battle. They're not tiring, you understand? But we are. We're not going to hold out long even if we keep on fighting, courage or no courage, yes or no determination. It's a stalemate."

Plasma held his position as Ralph and Rachiel approached him. "Yes?" he asked, although he had already heard their plans.

Ralph and Rachiel nodded at each other.

"What do you think we should do?" Rachiel asked, hinting a snarl.

The Luxray fixed his eyes on them. "You cannot win against my regiment," he proclaimed. "But if you wish to delay that battle to another time, understand that it will not be just me you are facing. There will be two other generals here. Another general has been dispatched to destroy your towns and cities. They arrive tomorrow. Your chances of survival will be lower than it is, now."

Charnette snorted. "Well, how bad can it get? At least we get to kill next time."

Plasma shifted his paws slightly. "I will not be merciful as I was today as well," he added. "Assuming I haven't been deployed to another place. But tomorrow, I can no longer fight as merciful as I wish."

Rachiel fixed her eyes on him. "Why don't you start now?" she challenged, and lunged at him.

Plasma whirled quickly out of her way, and backed towards his army. He swept his gaze over the sea of revolutionists. "If you think you can win," he said, "then continue." His regiment surged past him, countering the revolutionists with a deadly precision. Ralph lashed out wildly, disrupting the ranks of the Shadow Force army, though their stances held steadily.

"Don't back down!" Rachiel shouted, and the Revolutionists surged forward. The calm march of the SF soldiers momentarily faltered, and the rebels lurched ahead, screaming and slashing.

"Hold your positions!" Plasma ordered, dodging under Rachiel's Iron Tail. A smell of ozone drifted through the air, and a jagged Thunder zipped down towards the Houndoom. Rachiel growled and threw herself aside as the ground before her turned into charcoal. She hissed in frustration and used Flamethrower, but Plasma quickly countered with Hyper Beam and the two pillars of energy canceled each other out. "Move forward!"

"Yeah, run like children!" Charnette chortled from the back ranks of Plasma's regiment. The 4th regiment had launched an assault on the ranks there and was driving them apart.

"You can't win," Plasma told Rachiel, his eyes as cold as ice. "Would it not be easier to surrender? You said so yourself that even with your determination, you cannot win against me. So why try?"

"Because,"―Rachiel faced him―"you never know what'll happen unless you try!" She hurled herself at Plasma. He slipped aside, but Rachiel twisted around immediately and used Inferno. The space between them was so close that Plasma was unable to get away in time. The fire scorched into his fur, and he staggered subtly. He didn't let that check his capability to attack, and lashed out immediately with a Quick Attack, speeding straight into Rachiel. She snarled and used Overheat, and he retaliated with Swift. An explosion shuddered through the ground as the two fired attacks at each other. They were completely even in strength and determination, and for a moment, it looked as if the Revolutionists might've grasped the chance to win, after all.

Suddenly a humming sound ripped through the air, and a swirling blue portal appeared, sending shock waves across the battlefield.

"Trickery!" Charnette laughed. "Oh, the betrayal! I thought you said this was going to be a fair fight!"

Plasma, who had been ready to sink a Thunder Fang into Rachiel, froze. Rachiel struggled out of his grip and stared at the spinning portal. For a second, she wondered if Plasma had called reinforcements secretly during the battle and was only waiting for them to arrive, but the Luxray looked even more confused than any other Pokemon on that battleground.

"Well?" Rachiel prompted the speechless Luxray, who looked stunned beyond recuperation. "What's that? Your friend?"

"Don't have any," Plasma muttered, then glared at the portal. "Nobody else was supposed to come today. This wasn't in my calculations… unless she…" His eyes hardened, and he turned to Rachiel. "Get your army and get out! That's the Shadow Force's First Regiment, led by General Stary. She'll kill you all!"

"Do we look like chopped liver?" Rachiel asked.

Plasma shook his head impatiently. "Your army is already tired out by my regiment. You won't stand a chance against hers."

"Then fight with us," Ralph invited, coming over. "We can defeat her together."

Plasma looked at him steadily. "Would you join the Shadow Force if one of your own came here?" he pointed out. "The portal should take a few more seconds to work. If you leave now, not many of you will die."

"We're not leaving, lionhead," Xeno said. "We're Revolutionists. We're bound to face this Stary some day or the other, and we'll do it now."

Plasma fixed his eyes on the generals and lieutenants of the rebels. There was something like desperation in his eyes. "You don't understand," he said. "Her army kills. Today doesn't have to be a day of death. Nobody needs to die today, and nobody has died today, yet. Until she comes through. Leave!"

Ralph returned his stare. "Never."

Plasma backed up. "Then I cannot prevent the coming deaths," he said. "I respect your courage and determination, but they will be the ones that'll kill you today." He turned and walked away, his star-shaped tail hanging. He spoke to his regiment, and they backed away, towards their camp.

"Form ranks!" Rachiel barked. "And hold your ground! We fight for the dead of Castelia today!"

"Or we'll die along with them," Charnette said cheerfully. "You know my dear Plasmie was right, right? If you choose to go along this path… well, it's going to get quite messy, you know what I mean?" She winked, then called out, "Soldiers of Mystical Twist! Don't forget that you are…" She smiled. "We are now allowed to kill all enemies. Feel free to unleash all your hatred and anger on those about to come through! And remember to―most of all―have fun!"

"She's mad." Xeno edged away from the smiling Liepard, who was beaming as if killing and death were the best prizes in the world.

"I hear them!" Rachiel warned. "Since the portal's in the air, they'll be coming in for an aerial strike!"

"This a transportation portal," Lumiere informed. "Once they go through, it'll teleport them to the ground, not ten feet in the air."

"Learn your magic, pretty puppy," Charnette purred.

"Can you not?" Mark sighed.

"Fine! Scrap that―prepare for a ground assault!" Rachiel commanded.

"And aerial," Lumiere reminded. "They might bring along an Air Force."

"Thank you, Mr. Know-It-All," Rachiel scowled. "Will you make sure you get back to the field hospital?"

"We're… packing up the medical tents," Lumiere admitted, "and resuming our role as combat medics, not camping medics. I don't think this General Stary's one to let a couple of medics survive the battle."

"Oh, she won't," Charnette beamed pleasantly. "It'll be a miracle if any of us survives today!"

"Thanks a lot, General Sunshine," Mark grumbled. "Will you stop being so carefree?"

"Nope!"

"Here they come!" Ralph said as the portal rumbled again. A beam shot through the swirling portal, then twisted downwards and slammed against the earth. A massive regiment, perhaps twice the size of the entire Revolutionist army present, shimmered into existence. At their head, a Staraptor with metal-tipped wings and several medals of honor soared into the air.

"Well, screw everything," Rachiel said. "It's two to one."

"More like twenty to one!" Charnette cheered.

Rachiel sighed. "Can you not?"

Then Stary's regiment charged.

Plasma watched on speechlessly, feeling the dreaded sense of horror as the rebels clashed with Stary. He knew it would be the end of the rebels if they insisted on fighting. Despite their enthusiasm, they were tired and bedraggled, while Stary's army was fresh and twice their size. The rebel air force had been knocked out by the SF navy, which meant that the rebels had no air support. Meanwhile, Stary's ranks held several battalions of birds and insects.

"General." Plasma turned to see him advisor and statistician, a quiet Petilil named Bella, move to his side. "What are your orders?"

Plasma looked at his regiment. They were all staring in horror as their comrades from the First slaughtered their way through the small mass of rebels. All the soldiers in the 6th Regiment were like Plasma―wanting a fair fight with no deaths. They were all honorable Pokemon who were completely devoted to Plasma as well, despite the short span of time they'd spent. Plasma had carefully recruited each and every one of his soldiers, making sure that each individual hated and regretted causing deaths, and fought fair. Because of that, he understood and felt their terror as the rebels fled towards the Skyarrow Bridge, with Stary's bloodthirsty army on their tails.

"Morale is low," Bella said quietly. "You'd best speak to them."

Plasma nodded, and faced his regiment. "Soldiers!" he said firmly. "We mourn the ceaseless killing going on outside. But it is not of our doing." He paused. "You have all fought a fair and just battle, and won it anyways. I'm proud of you all. Eat well, and rest well. We'll have a day break tomorrow when General Doomsday and General Ranark take over the battle. If all goes well, we won't be here for long. I'm proud to have led you today in this battle. Now keep a light heart and heal your wounds. Those who have suggestions about what to do," Plasma added the last sentence, for he enjoyed letting his soldiers make suggestions and speak their mind. It was one of the things that made the 6th Regiment so tightly wounded and efficient. "Come to my tent. You're all welcome friends there."

The 6th Regiment let out a cheer, then dispersed. Some went to help others tend their wounds, while others started talking about new things they'd learned in battle.

"General." Lulu the Castform bobbed to his side. "The rebels have been pushed to Skyarrow Bridge."

Plasma paused, then called his lieutenant, a Flareon named Hakan.

"Yes?" Hakan asked.

"I'm going out for a walk," Plasma replied. "Make sure everybody eats and tell those who wish to speak to me that I'll be back in a moment."

A shadow of concern passed across the Flareon's dark eyes, but he nodded. "Alright. But be careful out there."

"I will," Plasma promised, and walked outside. The First Regiment's medics had set up a ten several meters away from the Sixth Regiment's camping site. He skirted them silently, and walked to the Navy. The marines on there were confused as to what had happened and what they were supposed to do, as the First Regiment had appeared so suddenly. The marines on the ships were under Plasma's orders and picked by him as well. He told the Admiral of the navy to let his marines rest and to go to the Sixth Regiment encampment if he needed anything.

And then he walked on.

Using his hyper vision (the one he received from the curse, not his X-ray vision), he watched the rebels scatter over the bridge. He could see the Lucario and Houndoom generals at the rear of the army, trying to hold back the mob of 1st regiment soldiers. Stary herself flew above them, shouting orders. He felt a prick of annoyance and anger at the Staraptor. Perhaps she'd changed more than he thought. Slain bodies stretched across the ground, as if no one cared for the flittering boundaries of life. Plasma stared sadly at the eyes that would never see again. Such was the horror of war.

Unexpectedly, the Skyarrow Bridge suddenly groaned. Plasma watched, frozen, as the bridge swayed and stumbled. Then the magnificent blue construction gave way, tumbling into the sea. Dozens of soldiers, Shadow Force and rebel alike, plummeted screaming into the sea.

She… destroyed Skyarrow Bridge. Plasma remained transfixed as Stary and her air force part of the army charged at the rebels, eradicating them by the dozens. Anger got his body moving again. He sprinted towards the moving hulk of the 1st Regiment, then stopped.

I shouldn't let anyone see me, he decided. He retreated behind a mound of black-purple sand from the Shadowia Bomb. His senses told him that no one was paying particular attention to him. Then his eyes glowed gold as he drew Price of Betrayal. It hovered before him, glowing with its two element aspects―fire and electric.

Plasma fixed his gaze on Stary, hatred boiling inside of him. The sword responded to his anger, flickering with gold energy. He didn't use the elemental aspects. There was no need to, as he was able to perform many of its attacks himself anyways. But he used the long-range ability of the sword, and focused his attack on his former friend.

Then he used Thunder.

"Our casualties number nearly two-thirds of what we brought!" Lumiere shouted over the slaughtering. "We can't let them get to Striaton City!" He ducked under a flying Golbat and smacked the Pokemon into the sea. "Hold them back!"

"What do you think we're trying to do?" Rachiel yelled back.

"Die?" Charnette suggested, casting a spell and causing a rival to erupt in green flames.

"DIE!" General Stary shrieked, her metal-tipped wings causing metallic sounds to whine through the air. Ralph wondered randomly if she'd be able to cut anyone in half with her metal-studded wings. He hoped he never had to find out.

A Hyper Beam raked across the bridge as Stary screeched in anger. More Revolutionists collapsed. The Revolutionists' air force soldiers―at least the ones who'd regained consciousness―were desperately trying to save the Revolutionists that had fallen into the sea.

"Hold your ground!" Rachiel yelled.

"We can't!" Mark yelled back.

"Lovely!" Charnette purred as a firework of green flames shot several flying enemies out of the sky. Sadly, more enemies followed.

"You―will―all―die―today!" Stary snarled. Her body glowed orange with flames, and she dove straight at Ralph. "Starting with you!"

If not for Charnette, Ralph probably would've been a Brave Bird pancake on the floor of the Skyarrow Bridge. She teleported him straight off the bridge and right onto Rachiel, who yelped and nearly collapsed with a "What in tarnation?!"

Stary might've missed her mark entirely, but she seemed unable to pull herself out of kamikaze diving mode. She punched straight through the weakened bridge, and the entire structure began to sway.

"Get off the bridge!" Rachiel yelled, and ran for it with Charnette and Ralph on her back. She must've been pumped full of adrenaline, because she didn't seem to notice the extra weight.

"Thanks, dear," Charnette purred as Rachiel skidded to a stop at the edge of the bridge. The Houndoom grunted and pitched the two off her back.

"She's falling down!" Jebodiah shouted as the Skyarrow Bridge groaned and fell towards the ocean, taking the bodies of several Shadow Force members and Revolutionists with it.

"At least this means their ground troops won't be able to get to us," May said, looking pale.

"Too bad some of them still have their little wings," Charnette said. "Ah, and some of them can teleport."

"Thank you for the observation, cat," Rachiel grumbled. "Why don't you do something about that?"

"You cannot run from me!" Stary screamed shrilly, and dove at them.

"Why does she sound so much like Hyper-Nova?" Mark wondered.

"Are you going to talk or are you going to run?" Rachiel yelled. "Scatter!"

Turns out, there wasn't any need to. Right before Stary and her flying friends hit the rebels, a glowing electrical beam shot through the air. Stary froze, along with several members of her army, and dropped like a stone towards the strait below. Her army went into confusion.

"Get back to Striaton!" Ralph commanded. "We can regroup with our other forces then!"

"Did you do that Thunder attack?" Billy asked Jebodiah as they ran for their lives.

"Of course not, my dearest boy," Charnette purred as she materialized between the two. "That would be our friend General Plasm-ie."

"Why?" Ralph asked, overhearing. "Why would he kill his own comrades?"

"He paralyzed her," Charnette snorted. "Work on your life-essence magic, please. By the way, Billy, how many more potions do you have?"

"P-Potions?" Billy stammered.

"Oh, you know. The ones Vindictus gave you?" Charnette purred.

Billy stared at the ground silently.

Ralph frowned. "What are you talking about?" he asked, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Who's―"

"Oh, be quiet for a moment," Charnette said as she teleported Ralph to Xeno, who fell over with a surprised yeep! "So? How many more?"

"Vindictus was able to give him more potions," Jebodiah said. "But they take five months to make… and its effects only last a month. Vindictus is making more as we speak, but last month's potion's already wearing off, and Vindictus isn't going to be able to make another one by the time… well, you get the idea."

"So how much more?" Charnette asked.

Billy raised his head defiantly.

"One," he said.

"The 4th Regiment suffered the least casualties," Lumiere reported to Ralph as he stared glumly down at the group of soldiers camped on a barren plaza of Striaton city. "They lost only a fourth of their original numbers." The generals and lieutenants were having a serious meeting. They'd made sure that Stary wasn't coming after them, since Charnette's spies―Will and Bonnie―had seen them head back to Castelia.

"Because we're awesome." Charnette grinned, looking completely unaffected by the bloody battle.

Lumiere looked at her. "No… because about half of your army stayed back and another eighth were and are still maintaining the arcane barriers."

"Same thing!" Amethyst countered.

Lumiere sighed. "The 3rd Regiment suffered the second-least losses, losing three-eights of their original army."

"Including Victor," Mark added sullenly. May hushed Jason, who was sobbing and tossing waffles into a brazier they'd built for their lost friend. The mood dropped even further.

"And the 1st and 2nd Regiments suffered the most," Lumiere continued. "Each regiment lost over half of their numbers, due to the Castelian Bombing."

"So what now?" Xeno asked glumly. "We need more recruits. Nimbasa's not helping. Neither are the Nacrene nerds. We''re isolated from the other rebelling towns, the Shadow Force has a navy, locking us in from the sea. And we're running low on supplies."

"First of all…" Rachiel looked sympathetically at Mark. "You're going to have to elect a new lieutenant."

Mark cringed.

Ralph stared at the ground. Victor had been, along with Ron, one of his few best friends from childhood. Victor had done his best to support Ralph. He'd joined Ralph's first rebelling group, then the Revolutionists. He'd stayed silently by Ralph's side whenever he needed him, and rarely criticized him. He'd cheered Mark up when the Blaziken had been troubled by the idea of a general. He'd followed Ralph faithfully for all the Revolution, and never lost hope.

He had been maybe a silent, yet true supporting pillar.

He had been a true friend.

"Not yet," Mark said tightly. "Not now."

Rachiel frowned. "But you can't possibly―"

"I can run the 3rd Regiment until… someone more suitable comes along," Mark said quietly. "Somebody that can replace Victor."

Charlez came over, looking sad. She'd known Victor for a long time as well. "Don't push him," she whispered to Rachiel. "Not now."

Rachiel nodded, then nudged Mark gently.

Charnette narrowed her eyes. "You're talking about Marcus, aren't you?"

Mark looked hesitant, then admitted. "Yes… I feel like… I don't want to replace Victor. Nobody can replace a lieutenant like him. I can run a regiment just fine by myself. I don't need another commanding figure. But I need… I need somebody who can help me when I can't be strong anymore on the inside. Marcus is… suitable for that job. He's the best Pokemon that can… that can…" He choked up. "Victor… he…"

Xeno had tears in her eyes. "We should do something for him," she said softly.

"We can do that by not letting him die in vain," Lumiere said. "Look at our troops. Would Victor want that?" He jerked his head towards the army. Several Pokemon were crying, while others stared, dazed, with a desolated look in their empty eyes. Medics rushed about, while the soldiers who'd attended the battle sat limp on the ground, as if all the hope had been beaten out of them.

Ralph looked at the ones who'd joined the Revolution bravely. "We need to get them back together."

Lumiere nodded approvingly. "That," he said, "I can do." He hovered over the Revolutionists. "Listen to me!" he shouted.

The battered revolutionists looked up.

"Not every battle can be a win," Lumiere said. "Losses have to be expected. The most important thing is to do is to not let the ones who gave their lives to have died in vain. We can't let this defeat our spirit. We can't give in to despair. We are Revolutionists! Look at how far we've come! We defeated General Blobby and General Nova. We can't let General Plasma and General Stary break us down like this. They may be good fighters, but they have no purpose except to fight. We may not be as good as them, but we have a purpose, and that purpose is to free our families!" He paused, and smiled gently at the Pokemon below him, who were stirring from their numb senses. "Sometimes the best you can do is not think, not despair, not imagine, not obsess. Just breath, believe that you can do it no matter what happened in the past, and have faith that everything will work out for the best. We may have lost this battle, but I say that we fought a good and fair fight. Now, more than any other time, we need to stand together. We need to show them that we cannot be broken!"

"Yeah!" Jebodiah cheered from the First Regiment. "Let's show those scum suckers what we're made of!"

"Think about it!" Billy added. "If we get back up and shove it in their face, we can watch them collapse from a front-row seat!"

The Revolutionists stirred. Some nodded in agreement, while others stood, their look of hopelessness replaced by steely determination. Ralph felt glad. Their eyes told him that they wouldn't let the Shadow Force break them down. The Revolutionists might've lost this battle, but that didn't mean it was game over yet. The Shadow Force hadn't felt the rage and the potency of revenge and willpower of the Revolutionists.

They would stand. They would fight.

And most of all―they weren't going to give up just yet.

---

Back in Castelia City…

Stary blinked open her eyes groggily. She remembered flying after the rebels… then what had happened?

"You were hit by a Thunder attack," the medic tending to her explained as she applied Healing Pulse to the general. "Luckily, whoever fire it must've been far away. They managed to paralyze you, but not kill you."

Soft paw steps padded into the tent, and the medic looked up in alarm, then relaxed.

Plasma approached them, his red-gold gaze flickering like foil. "I'd like to speak to the general," he told the medic quietly. "Privately."

The medic dipped her head and left.

Stary tried to smile, but her muscles felt too numb. "Are you okay?"

"Why?" Plasma said abruptly. "Why did you come?"

Stary stared at him. "Why wouldn't I come?" she asked. "You were planning to attack those rebels all on your own! That's suicide!"

"Was it?" Plasma asked, his tone suddenly dangerous. "My regiment is perfectly capable of taking care of itself. And I'm not foolish enough to go into a battle I'd lose. We were winning, Stary!"

"Well, excuse me for helping out a friend!" Stary felt irritated. "Those are evil Pokemon out there! Who knew what dirty tactics they had! I thought you were going to be in trouble!'

Plasma glared at her, and she flinched. His gaze was piercingly bitter and filled with a hatred that she thought he'd reserved for Darkrai. "Do they look like evil Pokemon? Or are they just Pokemon, like any one of us? What makes you think they're evil just because they're the enemy? And what made you think I was in trouble? The lord's orders were for you to attack the other towns in rebellion, not to come here!"

"Do you think I would've defied his orders if I didn't think you were in trouble?" Stary retorted. "I only did so because I wanted to help!" You should be thanking me! She wanted to scream. "Your regiment might've been able to hold your ground, but you weren't able to kill any of the rebels!"

"I didn't plan to!" Plasma returned sharply. "I didn't want anybody to die in battle today!"

"What's wrong with you?!" Stary snapped. "How're you going to conquer your enemies if you don't kill?!" Her voice softened. "Look, Plasma… I didn't mean any harm. I'm sorry I came and disrupted you. I was worried, okay? And I underestimated your abilities. I'm sorry for messing things up. But look on the bright side―most of the rebels are dead. When I attack their towns tomorrow, this will all we ov―"

Plasma's gaze suddenly hardened. "So this is what you want? Death? Because they were already about to retreat. I don't hold it against you for attacking them before they fled, but when they did, why didn't you let them go? Moreover, you attacked the medics. How justified were you when you attacked the healers who forswore fighting and the wounded who could not fight? When you attacked the panicked Pokemon with families waiting for their return? During my battle with them, I showed them mercy, and they showed me mercy in return―neither of our troops attacked each others' medical centers. We fought a fair fight, each of us using the best of our abilities and tactics, and they didn't try anything dirty even though I'd just blown up their city. There were no casualties of death for either army until you came along. There doesn't need to be death in war, unless it's to end the war―which means the death of an important Pokemon or leader. As long as one troop finds it impossible to win, the war can end. There doesn't need to be death. I didn't want death―bombing the city was only me not being able to contradict my leader's orders. But this… I didn't know you wanted their deaths. I never thought you'd become like Darkrai," he finished with a disgusted snort.

Stary stared at him in shock, then felt guilt burn deep inside her soul. "I'm sor―" she tried to apologize, but Plasma had already turned away.

"Apologize to the families who will never see their beloved coming home again," he said quietly. "Ask for forgiveness from the souls you sent to Yvetal's realm. Plead mercy for your actions from Zygarde, the God of Balance and Judgement. But don't beg pardon from me. You have not done me any wrong, but you have heavily wronged our enemies." He walked out of the tent, his posture tired yet vigilant. He knew he was turning back on his friend, but he didn't care. She wasn't like the Stary he'd grown up with. He didn't want to be next to someone who dismissed deaths so easily.

And he felt his curse burn even harsher as the final bond of friendship snapped. He wondered if he had any true friends now, and if the curse could burn fiercer.

Whatever the case, one thing was clear―he had lost his last friend.

Stary stared at the swaying tent flap as Plasma disappeared from her view. She felt something disappear inside her, replaced by a guilty longing. She should've never come.

I just wanted to help! she wanted to scream. Why can't you just forgive me?!

"General." Stary looked up as her lieutenant―a Stoutland―came in. "What are your orders?"

Stary gazed around the tent. She knew she wasn't suppose to be in Castelia City. She was suppose to be raiding the towns beyond it. She didn't want to stay here anymore, anyways. She didn't want to be near Plasma.

"Tell the regiment to start packing," she said. "We're heading to the Route 5 outpost."

---

Some time later…

"Why are you here?" Plasma asked, feeling irritable and angry as Doomsday and Ranark paced in front of him, talking pleasantly on the ashes of an entire city. "You were suppose to arrive tomorrow." He was wearing a dark black cloak, and wasn't exactly to please to know that it was everybody-let's-just-ignore-Darkrai's-orders day.

"Well, I certainly didn't want to miss the entire Stary-flies-off-the-handle business." Doomsday laughed darkly. "Entertainment's so expensive these days, what with Nimbasa City rebelling. I figured I'd come early and watch some free action."

"You were supposed to say, 'We were worried about our dear Stary.'" Ranark muttered. "Stick to the plan."

Doomsday shrugged. "Well, now that we're here… oh, what lovely bone ashes. I think I'll take some back as a souvenir! Meanwhile, Ranark, I figure we'd start setting up some traps. Plasma, you're being recalled back to Anville Town―thought you'd might want to know―for some relaxation and training." She laughed for no apparent reason. "So you can leave now if you want!"

Plasma held his ground. "When do you plan to attack the rebels?" he asked coldly.

Doomsday smiled. "Worried about your new rebelling friends?"

Plasma maintained his cold glare. "I want to know what you're planning."

"I actually don't know." Ranark frowned. "I guess we'll fight when they attack us."

"That's no fun." Doomsday snorted. "For all we know, they might decide to teleport to Nimbasa and head on towards north. Dear me―that can't happen. Let's set a time. That's very organized." She smiled at Plasma. "Wouldn't you think so, dear?"

Plasma didn't move. "Give them two weeks," he advised. "Another Shadow Force Armada is coming in from Hoenn to support. They'll need time to fit in. I'll be taking my own Navy back to Anville."

"What's the point?" Ranark muttered. "Our navies suck like hell."

"Better than nothing," Doomsday said breezily. "Two weeks. So be it, then. Ranark, mind going off to see where Stary's flying off to?"

"I'm not your slave," Ranark growled. "And you have no right to―"

"We have a partnership, dear," Doomsday said, her voice suddenly frigid. "Or have you forgotten? You do know how I feel about deal breakers, don't you, dear?"

Ranark muttered under his breath, but sauntered away.

Doomsday leaned towards Plasma. "By the way," she said. "I know what the future holds for you." Her gaze was suddenly sympathetic, so different from the Doomsday Plasma had met. "I'm an oracle, after all. I don't like telling others about their destinies, but…" She laughed darkly. "I'm very interested in telling you yours."

Plasma backed away. "What do you mean?"

Doomsday's voice remained frigid, but there was a hint of amusement in it. "You face heartrending days, Plasma," she said. "One day, you will be given choices and chances. On that day, you must remember what you want, and don't forget,"―she turned away―"the curse cannot stop you from doing what you want." She chuckled coldly.

"Don't you think I haven't tried?" Plasma asked. "What do you think made me destroy Castelia?"

Doomsday paused thoughtfully. "Find yourself," she said curtly. "Maybe you're stronger than you thought." Her pale blue eyes glinted wickedly, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking and was excited to see how he'd fail.

Plasma was about to reply that she didn't know his pain, then saw the wisdom in her words.

Plasma had tried to fight the curse, yes, but he'd failed only because deep inside, he was still loyal to Darkrai, like he did when they were young. Some parts of him still wished to please Darkrai. He just hadn't been aware of it.

I need to cut my old friendship with him, Plasma thought. Only then, will I truly be freed.

"Oh, and Plasma?" Doomsday turned around. Her pendants and medals flashed underneath her Reaper Cloth robe. "Want to know something else?"

"What?" Plasma asked warily.

Doomsday's eyes gleamed with amusement. "You think that the curse is permanent, no?" she chuckled softly. "There's one legendary out there who can heal your curse. One minor goddess, I'll admit. But still a goddess nonetheless."

Plasma nearly stopped breathing, but he managed to even out his tone. "Who?"

Doomsday laughed. "The second part of the prophecy speaks of deaths and awakening, no? This Pokemon will finally break out of its once-upon-a-thousand-years habit. I sense that you'll meet her soon… but when, I don't know. So I don't suggest that you leave the Shadow Force to go search for her." She smiled blandly. "I won't betray you," she promised. "Because I'm acting as an oracle for now… but beware who your alliances lie with. You shouldn't be loyal to those who've changed." She winked at him, then pulled a small tablet from a fold in her robe and tossed it to Plasma. He fell backwards, thinking it was a bomb, then looked cautiously over to see a rectangular object that seemed like it was made out of darkness.

"This…" Plasma was so speechless, he couldn't speak.

Doomsday turned away so Plasma couldn't see her expression, but he suspected that she was smiling. "Oracles exist to help lost souls," she said. "I will not be able to perform my duties as an oracle… for the greater cause. But I do enjoy your ability to stay just. I will stay in the Shadow Force, driven by blood-lust. I will change, as many of the others have. But you…" She locked eyes with Plasma briefly. "You can be an exception. You just have to believe." She pointed a glittering claw at the plate she'd tossed Plasma. "Take care of it, and don't show it unless as a sign of trust," she said meaningfully. "Good luck, Plasma. This stays between us." Then space warped around her, and she disappeared.

Plasma picked up the Dread Plate, and stashed it within a fold of his black cloak. For once, he felt a true shimmer of hope. It wasn't over yet for him. He could still live his life the way he wanted to.

I can still have a life!

---

In Striaton City, City Hall, Meeting Room…

To the Revolutionists:

We hope you accept our deep apologies for so rudely driving you out of our fair city last time. We now see that we must stand with either you or the Shadow Force, or fall alone. We leaned toward the Shadow Force once, but as of now, we see that it has not been the wisest choice.

We know that the Striaton Bombing was not your doing anymore, and soon, all of Unova will know. We also know that the Shadow Force bombed Castelia City. We have seen their ruthlessness now. And we will no longer share the ties of an alliance with those dark-hearted traitors,

Please come to our fair Nacrene in three days. We will hold a meeting there to discuss whether we should have an alliance with you or not. The meeting will be precisely 12:00 P.M, Unovian time, in our City (Town) Hall.

Pari passu,

Mayor Aronel

Charnette looked incredulously at the others as May finished reading the letter. "Okay, who think he's lying?"

"Charna," Amethyst said. "Donna be rude!"

"Oh, give me a break, foxy." Charnette snorted.

"Let's just go," Lumiere suggested, "with the ones who went last time―Rachiel, Xeno, Ralph and I. With Nacrene City on our side, we have a sure chance at victory."

Ralph looked around. "Any objections?"

"What if it is a trick?" Charnette asked.

Akhelios raised his paw. Beside him sat Twilight, whose eyes were filled with grief for her lost citizens. Even though there hadn't been many citizens in Castelia when it was destroyed, most were residing in Nuvema, Accumula, and Striaton as of now. "Aronel's not into dirty tricks," he said. "I think he means it."

"What if he didn't send the letter?" Charnette pressed.

"Aronel's signature is magically made," Akhelios explained. "Nobody can copy it."

Charnette sniffed the letter. "You're right," she groused. "Fine, it's safe. No objections there."

"Next is the letter from Nimbasa City." May held up a letter and started reading:

Dear fellow rebels,

I heard about Castelia getting blown up! My citizens are rearing to crush those fashion-defying Shadow Force into the ground with you. (Have you seen their gruesome uniforms? Ugh!) We're absolutely, honestly, completely sorry for not aiding you in your previous battle. I'm so, so, SO sorry! (That wasn't sarcasm! I promise!)

Anyways, come right over for a meeting next week! We've made an alliance with Nacrene City, and they said they're going to invite you to their "fair" city to talk. (Honestly, I wouldn't call their city "fair". Those old-fashioned buildings and yucky relics! It gives me shivers just to think about that! How can they stand to live there?! Um… no offense intended.) Their citizens should be able to teleport you right over here for a meeting next week! So don't worry about anything. I made that grumpy Aronel promise he'll teleport you even if you guys don't get together. That dog needs a night at the movies and a spa day. He seriously needs it.

I hope I'll meet you here! Send a magic letter to us if you want anything!

XOXOXOX

Mayor Rayla

"There are two types of mayors." Rachiel chuckled when May had finished.

"The formal ones," Xeno said, "and then the happy ones."

"This is good news," Lumiere determined. "With Nimbasa on our side, with the addition of Nacrene, we just might be able to defeat the Shadow Force forces in Castelia."

"If we can get past Plasma's regiment," Rachiel added. "The lion-wolf has moves."

"Guys, there's a third letter," May frowned. "This one… it doesn't show who the sender is?"

"Read it, please," Lumiere told her.

My lovely little toys,

We will be attacking in two weeks' time. Use our "mercy" to get ready for a right rumble! I wonder how much damage you can do to us, if you fell before the weakest Plasma… I'll be anticipating a very delicious fight and surprise… be ready. And please, don't expect us to play "fair" like little Plasmie darling. And don't even think that he'll be here to help you, okay?

I'll continue watching you ~ General Doomsday

"Doomsday?" Ralph screeched. "The one that blew up the Nuvema Hospital?!"

"She's our opponent?" Rachiel gagged. "And she's a general? Oh, not good."

"She's like the dark side of Charnette." Xeno snorted, snatching the letter from May. "Talks the same, too."

"Darling," Charnette purred. "I am my dark side."

"Whatever." Xeno looked around, where half of the other generals and lieutenants were still flailing in terror. "Hey, on the bright side―we have two weeks. That's better than no time, am I right?"

"Burn the letter," Charnette suggested. "They might have a hearing device on it."

Rachiel torched the letter.

Charlez raised a claw. "Everybody, calm down," she ordered. "It's time that we get our act together. Nacrene and Nimbasa will be joining us. We need to stand with them to win. It's our chance to get back at the Shadow Force." She looked around. "We will win!"

Ralph nodded. "We can't be held back by our losses," he said. "We'll go forward. We'll tear the Shadow Force apart. There's no turning back now." He looked around. "I hope you all understand."

Charnette smiled. "Of course," she purred. "So we'd better start getting ready to die!"

"Charna!" Amethyst complained.

---

Credits:

alpha2275: LoG Representative on Fanfiction and Fanfiction Manager

Esther Hung: Chief Writer, Chief Editor, and Character Creator

Anisa Krieg: Chief Artist